Why Does My Ideal Gas Law Calculation Differ from the Textbook?

Click For Summary
The discussion revolves around a calculation error in applying the ideal gas law to find the pressure of carbon dioxide gas. The user initially converted the volume incorrectly, using 4 cubic meters instead of the correct value of 0.0004 cubic meters. After receiving clarification on the volume conversion, the user recalculated the pressure and confirmed the correct answer as approximately 7.3 MPa. The thread highlights the importance of accurate unit conversions in gas law calculations. Ultimately, the user resolved the issue and expressed gratitude for the assistance.
sghaussi
Messages
33
Reaction score
0
hello all. I'm trying to figure out this problem and it's bugging me because it's soooo simple yet i keep getting the wrong answer. here's the problem:

If 1.00 mol of carbon dioxide gas at 350 K is confined to a volume of 400 cubic centimeters, find the pressure of the gas using the ideal-gas equation.

Okay.. I know that the ideal gas equation will look like this if I am solving for pressure:

p = (nRT)/V

since I want pressure in pascals, then I will convert volume V to cubic meters, and for R constant I will use R = 8.3145 J/mol K

so far this is the information I have:

R = 8.3145 J/mol K
T = 350 K
n = 1.00 mol
V = 4 cubic meters

When I try and solve for pressure, I get 727.5 pascals. I did this 5 times, and I keet getting the same answer. however the book is telling me I'm wrong. Am I not understanding this correct? could this be one of those times the book is wrong? I hope someone can help!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Your conversion into cubic metres is incorrect, remember it is cubic:

Therefore;

0.0004m^3

Use that value for volume and you should calculate the correct answer, which is 7275187Pa or 7.3MPa.
 
Last edited:
V = 400 cm^3 = 400 * (10^-2 m)^3 = 400 * 10^-6 m^3 = 0.0004 m^3
I think this is correct value of the volume and if you put it into ideal gas equation you'll get the right answer (i think).
 
thanks to the both of you for your help. i was able to figure it out.. silly mistake. =) night!
 
Thread 'Correct statement about size of wire to produce larger extension'
The answer is (B) but I don't really understand why. Based on formula of Young Modulus: $$x=\frac{FL}{AE}$$ The second wire made of the same material so it means they have same Young Modulus. Larger extension means larger value of ##x## so to get larger value of ##x## we can increase ##F## and ##L## and decrease ##A## I am not sure whether there is change in ##F## for first and second wire so I will just assume ##F## does not change. It leaves (B) and (C) as possible options so why is (C)...

Similar threads

  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
860
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K