What is the Total Pressure in a Cylinder Containing Nitrogen and Oxygen?

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SUMMARY

The total pressure in a cylinder containing nitrogen and oxygen can be calculated using the ideal gas law and Dalton's law of partial pressures. In the first scenario, 5L of nitrogen at 100kPa and 5L of oxygen at 200kPa results in a total pressure of 30kPa when combined in a 50L evacuated cylinder. In the second scenario, a 10L flask of nitrogen at 500mmHg and a 4L flask of oxygen at 800mmHg yields a final pressure of 586mmHg when the tap is opened, demonstrating the application of the formula P = (nA + nB)(RT)/V.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the Ideal Gas Law (PV = nRT)
  • Knowledge of Dalton's Law of Partial Pressures
  • Familiarity with pressure units (kPa, mmHg)
  • Basic algebra for manipulating equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the Ideal Gas Law applications in different gas mixtures
  • Learn about Dalton's Law of Partial Pressures in detail
  • Explore the concept of gas behavior under varying conditions
  • Investigate the effects of temperature and volume on gas pressure
USEFUL FOR

Chemistry students, chemical engineers, and anyone involved in gas law calculations and thermodynamics will benefit from this discussion.

ravadongon
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Question 1: 5L of nitrogen at 100kPa and 298K and 5L of oxygen at 200kPa are pumped into a evacuated 50L cylinder. Temperature remains constant, what is the total pressure in the cylinder?

Correct Answer: 30kPa
My answer: 300 kPa

Question 2: A 10L flask containing nitrogen at 500mmHg is connected via a closed tap to a 4L flask containing oxygen at 800mmHg pressure, if the tap is opened what will be the final pressure assuming temperature remains constant?

Answer: 586mmHg
My answer: 1300mmHg

Formulas I used:

pV = nRT (to find mols)
PA = (nA/nA+nB) x PT

How did they get these answers...cos I can't seem to get them..?? Any help would be appreciated...
 
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ravadongon said:
Question 1: 5L of nitrogen at 100kPa and 298K and 5L of oxygen at 200kPa are pumped into a evacuated 50L cylinder. Temperature remains constant, what is the total pressure in the cylinder?

Correct Answer: 30kPa
My answer: 300 kPa

Question 2: A 10L flask containing nitrogen at 500mmHg is connected via a closed tap to a 4L flask containing oxygen at 800mmHg pressure, if the tap is opened what will be the final pressure assuming temperature remains constant?

Answer: 586mmHg
My answer: 1300mmHg

Formulas I used:

pV = nRT (to find mols)
PA = (nA/nA+nB) x PT

How did they get these answers...cos I can't seem to get them..?? Any help would be appreciated...

What are the volumes given in the questions?
 
Bystander said:
What are the volumes given in the questions?

what do u mean? I gave the volumes... :confused:
 
ravadongon said:
Question 1: 5L of nitrogen at 100kPa and 298K and 5L of oxygen at 200kPa are pumped into a evacuated 50L cylinder. Temperature remains constant, what is the total pressure in the cylinder?

Correct Answer: 30kPa
My answer: 300 kPa

Question 2: A 10L flask containing nitrogen at 500mmHg is connected via a closed tap to a 4L flask containing oxygen at 800mmHg pressure, if the tap is opened what will be the final pressure assuming temperature remains constant?

Answer: 586mmHg
My answer: 1300mmHg

Formulas I used:

pV = nRT (to find mols)
PA = (nA/nA+nB) x PT

How did they get these answers...cos I can't seem to get them..?? Any help would be appreciated...

So what is it exactly that you are having a hard time with? Let's go through #2:

n_A = \frac{P_AV_A}{RT} = \frac{(500 mm Hg)(10 L)}{RT}

and for the other flask:

n_B = \frac{P_BV_B}{RT} = \frac{(800 mm Hg)(4 L)}{RT}

so when the valve is opened, the total # of molecules of gas in the system will be:

n = n_A + n_B

so let's use the ideal gas law for the whole system:

P_{A+B} = \frac{(n_A + n_B)(RT)}{V_{A+B}} = \frac{(500 mm Hg)(10 L) + (800 mm Hg)(4 L)}{RT} \frac{(RT)}{V_{A+B}}{

notice that RT drops out completely, and we are left with:

P_{A+B} = \frac{(500 mm Hg)(10 L) + (800 mm HG)(4 L)}{14 L} = 586 mm Hg

go forth and do likewise..
 
Last edited:

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