Solving PV/nRT for T: Temp Needed to Reduce Gas Volume to 2.50L

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on solving the ideal gas law equation PV=nRT to determine the temperature required to reduce the volume of sulfur hexafluoride gas from 5.10 L to 2.50 L at constant pressure. The initial conditions specify a temperature of 198°C. The correct approach involves converting the temperature to Kelvin before performing calculations, as the ideal gas law requires absolute temperature. The erroneous result of -42°C indicates a misunderstanding of temperature conversion, as the initial temperature must be in Kelvin for accurate results.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the ideal gas law (PV=nRT)
  • Knowledge of temperature conversion between Celsius and Kelvin
  • Familiarity with the properties of sulfur hexafluoride gas
  • Basic algebra for manipulating equations
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  • Learn about the ideal gas law and its applications in thermodynamics
  • Study temperature conversion methods, focusing on Celsius and Kelvin
  • Explore the properties and behavior of sulfur hexafluoride in various conditions
  • Investigate common mistakes in gas law calculations and how to avoid them
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Chemistry students, educators, and professionals working with gas laws and thermodynamic calculations will benefit from this discussion.

fromthepast
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A sample of sulfur hexafluoride gas occupies a volume of 5.10 L at 198 C. Assuming that the pressure remains constant, what temperature (in C) is needed to reduce the volume to 2.50 L?

I used PV/nRT = PV/nRT and got -42 C.

Do I have to convert to Kevlin first and then back to Celsius?
 
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You would have to convert to Kelvin. Whether to express you answer in Celsius is a matter of prefrence, but your answer will come out in Kelvin.
 
fromthepast said:
Do I have to convert to Kevlin first and then back to Celsius?
It looks like this is what you did already. You won't get -42 if you use initial temperature in Celsius.
 

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