Simple (Frustrating) Combined Gas Law Problem

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves applying the combined gas law to determine the pressure of a gas when its volume and temperature change. The original poster presents a scenario where a gas at a specific volume, pressure, and temperature is transferred to a smaller tank at a different temperature.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to apply the combined gas law directly but encounters frustration when their calculated pressure does not match the expected answer. They express confusion over the use of Celsius temperatures instead of Kelvin.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance regarding the necessity of using the Kelvin scale for temperature in gas law calculations. The original poster acknowledges this feedback and expresses gratitude, indicating a potential shift in understanding.

Contextual Notes

The original poster's calculations were based on Celsius temperatures, which led to incorrect results. There is an ongoing discussion about the proper use of temperature scales in gas law equations.

DDNow
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Homework Statement



If 562L of a gas is prepared at 700 torr and 213 degrees C, and it is then pumped into a 25.3L tank at 35 degrees C, what pressure will the tank have to withstand?

Homework Equations



[tex]\frac{V_{1}*P_{1}}{T_{1}}=\frac{V_{2}*P_{2}}{T_{2}}[/tex]

Becomes:

[tex]\frac{T_{2}}{T_{1}}*\frac{V_{1}}{V_{2}}*P_{1}=P_{2}[/tex]


The Attempt at a Solution



This is pretty straight forward. That's why I'm getting so frustrated. I just plug and play and I should get the right answer.

[tex]\frac{35degC}{213degC}*\frac{562L}{25.3L}*700torr=~2600torr or 3.421 atm[/tex]

According to my professor, the answer is supposed to be 13atm or 9880torr.

I just don't understand how this approach is not working since I am only missing one variable. It seems perfect for the combined gas law. Thank you for your time.


DDnow

P.S. Sorry about the botched latex attempt. I tried :)
 
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Hi DDNow,

DDNow said:

The Attempt at a Solution



This is pretty straight forward. That's why I'm getting so frustrated. I just plug and play and I should get the right answer.

[tex]\frac{35degC}{213degC}*\frac{562L}{25.3L}*700torr=~2600torr or 3.421 atm[/tex]

The Celsius temperature scale is not a thermodynamic temperature scale, and so cannot be used here. Try converting your temperatures to the Kelvin scale.
 
Hey! Thank you for that. Worked perfectly. I assumed since it was a temperature divided by a temperature that the ratio would be the same for C or K. Obviously, I was wrong. I really appreciate your time alphysicist!

Edit: I'm not sure if I need to mark this as resolved or whatnot. If someone wants to tell me if there is another step I would appreciate it.
 
Last edited:
DDNow said:
Hey! Thank you for that. Worked perfectly. I assumed since it was a temperature divided by a temperature that the ratio would be the same for C or K. Obviously, I was wrong. I really appreciate your time alphysicist!

Edit: I'm not sure if I need to mark this as resolved or whatnot. If someone wants to tell me if there is another step I would appreciate it.

Sure, glad to help! As far as C or K, temperature differences are the same for both scales, but as you found the ratios are different.

There used to be a way to mark the threads as solved, but I don't believe that function is available right now.
 

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