The Ideal Gas Law

Since the volume of a gas is affected by the pressure, temperature, and the
number of moles, it is possible to write an equation that takes all of these
variables into account. The equation is PV = nRT, where pressure must be in
kPa, volume must be in L (or dm3), n is the number of moles, R is the gas
constant, and T must be in Kelvins. The gas constant is equal to
8.31 L•kPa/mol•K. Note: Always check to see if you have the correct units.

The ideal gas law is based upon two assumptions; that the volume of the gas
particles is negligible and that the gas particles do not exert forces on each
other. These assumptions are not always valid. When they are valid, the gas is
said to be behaving like an ideal gas and obeys the ideal gas law. Otherwise
the gas is called a real gas and a modified formula is used.

Below are some ideal gas law problems.

1. Fill in the following chart with the missing information.

Pressure Volume Temperature Moles

96.2 kPa 1155 mL 0.423
114.5 kPa 119 L 100.0 oC
1.02 atm 37.8oC 4.50
22.05 L 252 K 1.17

2. A gas has a volume of 31.2 dm3 at 28oC and 82.6 kPa. Assuming ideal
behavior, calculate the number of moles? How many molecules would
that be?

3. What volume will 15.0g of CO occupy at STP (standard temperature and

pressure)? Assume ideal behavior.

4. What temperature is required for a 14g sample Ne to have a pressure of

1.6 atm in an 18 L container?

Laliberte, 4/28/08
Variations of the Ideal Gas Law
The ideal gas law can be used to find the molar mass of a gas. Since moles is
equal to grams divided by molar mass, we can substitute "g/MM" for "n" in the
equation PV=nRT. This results in PV=gRT/MM which rearranges to MM=gRT/PV.
Also, since grams divided by volume equals density, we can substitute "D" for
"g/V" resulting in MM=DRT/P.

1. Calculate the pressure of 2.11 moles of CO2 in a 30.0 L container at

23.1°C.

2. Calculate the molar mass of butane if 0.5836 g of this gas fills a 250.0
mL flask at 23.5°C and 742.6 mm Hg.

3. Calculate the density of O2 gas at 0.00°C and 1.00 atm.

4. Calculate the volume that 0.433 moles of Ne would occupy at 78.2°C

and 112 kPa.

5. What is the formula for phosphine (PHx) if the density is 1.517 g/L at
STP?

6. Calculate the molar mass of diazomethane if 3.44 g of this gas occupy

2.00L at 25.0°C and 760 mm Hg.

Laliberte, 4/28/08