Physical Chemistry- Partial Pressures

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Discussion Overview

This thread discusses a homework problem related to physical chemistry, specifically focusing on the calculation of partial pressures and the volume of oxygen gas collected over water. The problem involves interpreting given data, applying relevant equations, and performing calculations to find the volume of oxygen at different conditions.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents the problem statement and outlines their approach, using equations related to gas laws and partial pressures.
  • The participant calculates the partial pressure of oxygen by subtracting the vapor pressure of water from the total pressure.
  • They then apply the ideal gas law to find the number of moles of oxygen and subsequently calculate the volume at standard conditions.
  • Another participant points out an arithmetic error in the calculation of the number of moles, suggesting that the resulting volume should be more consistent with the initial volume collected.
  • A later reply acknowledges the arithmetic mistake and corrects the number of moles, leading to a revised volume calculation.
  • One participant confirms the correctness of the revised approach and calculations.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the approach to solving the problem, but there is a disagreement regarding the initial arithmetic calculations, which were corrected in subsequent replies.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights the importance of careful arithmetic in calculations and the need to verify whether results make sense in the context of the problem.

PerenialQuest
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Hello all,
This is a homework problem for my CHE345 class. Not sure what to do here, please at least let me know if I'm in the right ballpark.

Homework Statement



A student decomposes KCLO3 and collects 35.2 cm^3 of O2 over water at 23.0°C. The laboratory barometer reads 751 Torr. The vapor pressure of water at 23.0°C is 21.1 Torr. Find the volume the oxygen would occupy at 0.0*C and 1.2atm (= 912 Torr).

Homework Equations


not exactly sure what is relevant here. Perhaps these:
(1) PV = nRT
(2) Pj = partial pressure
(3) xj = mole fraction
(4) Pj = xjP
(5) Pj = njRT/V
(6) Ptotal = PA + PB +...

The Attempt at a Solution


My problem I think, is in interpreting the question, but here goes an attempt:

using eq. (6):
Ptotal = Pwater + PO2
751 Torr = 21.1 Torr + PO2
PO2 = 729.9

from here I'll use eq. (1) to solve for nO2
PV = nRT
n = PV/RT
n = (729.9 Torr)(0.0352 L)/(62.634 L Torr K-1mol-1)(296.15 K)
n = 1.385 x 10-4

Now to solve for the V at Tfinal

V = nRT/P
V = (1.385E-4 moles)(62.634 L Torr K-1mol-1)(273.15 K) / 912 Torr)
V = 0.002598 L = 2.598cm3

How'd I do?
 
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PerenialQuest said:
Hello all,
This is a homework problem for my CHE345 class. Not sure what to do here, please at least let me know if I'm in the right ballpark.

Homework Statement



A student decomposes KCLO3 and collects 35.2 cm^3 of O2 over water at 23.0°C. The laboratory barometer reads 751 Torr. The vapor pressure of water at 23.0°C is 21.1 Torr. Find the volume the oxygen would occupy at 0.0*C and 1.2atm (= 912 Torr).

Homework Equations


not exactly sure what is relevant here. Perhaps these:
(1) PV = nRT
(2) Pj = partial pressure
(3) xj = mole fraction
(4) Pj = xjP
(5) Pj = njRT/V
(6) Ptotal = PA + PB +...

The Attempt at a Solution


My problem I think, is in interpreting the question, but here goes an attempt:

using eq. (6):
Ptotal = Pwater + PO2
751 Torr = 21.1 Torr + PO2
PO2 = 729.9

from here I'll use eq. (1) to solve for nO2
PV = nRT
n = PV/RT
n = (729.9 Torr)(0.0352 L)/(62.634 L Torr K-1mol-1)(296.15 K)
n = 1.385 x 10-4

Now to solve for the V at Tfinal

V = nRT/P
V = (1.385E-4 moles)(62.634 L Torr K-1mol-1)(273.15 K) / 912 Torr)
V = 0.002598 L = 2.598cm3

How'd I do?

You made an arithmetic error in calculating the number of moles. The pressures and temperatures in the two situations are not too different, and, if the volume was much less than 35.2 cc, this should have alerted you that there was an arithmetic mistake somewhere. Try to get used to asking yourself whether your answer makes sense.
 
Chestermiller said:
You made an arithmetic error in calculating the number of moles. The pressures and temperatures in the two situations are not too different, and, if the volume was much less than 35.2 cc, this should have alerted you that there was an arithmetic mistake somewhere. Try to get used to asking yourself whether your answer makes sense.

1. Homework Statement

A student decomposes KCLO3 and collects 35.2 cm^3 of O2 over water at 23.0°C. The laboratory barometer reads 751 Torr. The vapor pressure of water at 23.0°C is 21.1 Torr. Find the volume the oxygen would occupy at 0.0*C and 1.2atm (= 912 Torr).

2. Homework Equations
not exactly sure what is relevant here. Perhaps these:
(1) PV = nRT
(2) Pj = partial pressure
(3) xj = mole fraction
(4) Pj = xjP
(5) Pj = njRT/V
(6) Ptotal = PA + PB +...

3. The Attempt at a Solution
My problem I think, is in interpreting the question, but here goes an attempt:

using eq. (6):
Ptotal = Pwater + PO2
751 Torr = 21.1 Torr + PO2
PO2 = 729.9

from here I'll use eq. (1) to solve for nO2
PV = nRT
n = PV/RT
n = (729.9 Torr)(0.0352 L)/(62.634 L Torr K-1mol-1)(296.15 K)
n = 1.385 x 10-3

Now to solve for the V at Tfinal

V = nRT/P
V = (1.385E-3 moles)(62.634 L Torr K-1mol-1)(273.15 K) / 912 Torr)
V = 0.02598 L = 25.98cm3

Ah yes, thank you, I missed a digit. That better? Did I go about the problem correctly?
 
Yes. Nice job.
 

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