PV = nRT: Understanding Pressure Units in Gas Laws

[BuBbLeS01]

Quick Question...Test at 8 am!

When using PV = nRT does P have to be in atm? Or is it Pa?

 

[learningphysics]

When using PV = nRT does P have to be in atm? Or is it Pa?

depends on the R you're using...

if you learned
R = 8.314472 m3·Pa·K-1·mol-1

then you need to use pressure in Pa. and volume needs to be in m^3. which R did you learn?

if you learned
R = 0.08205784 L·atm·K-1·mol-1

then you need to use pressure in atm. and volume needs to be in L.

have a look at the R using different units:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ideal_gas_law

 

[BuBbLeS01]

oh ok thanks