The ideal gas law is PV = nRT. Explain what each variable is in this equation and include a common unit used to measure that variable Variable P V n R T Property Pressure Unit Pa/bar/atmosphere L/cm3 mol atm*L/mol* K K. for property

Answer 1

The ideal gas law is represented as \(PV = nRT\), where each variable corresponds to specific properties of a gas. Here’s a breakdown of each variable, its meaning, and common units of measurement:

Variables in the Ideal Gas Law:

1. P (Pressure):

   • Meaning: The pressure exerted by the gas on the walls of its container.
   • Common Units:
     • Pascals (Pa)
     • Bar
     • Atmospheres (atm)

2. V (Volume):

   • Meaning: The volume occupied by the gas.
   • Common Units:
     • Liters (L)
     • Cubic centimeters (cm³)

3. n (Number of moles):

   • Meaning: The quantity of gas present, measured in moles.
   • Common Units:
     • Moles (mol)

4. R (Ideal Gas Constant):

   • Meaning: A proportionality constant that relates pressure, volume, temperature, and the amount of gas.
   • Common Units:
     • 8.314 J/(mol·K) (when using SI units)
     • 0.0821 L·atm/(mol·K) (when using liters and atm)
     • Other forms depending on units used

5. T (Temperature):

   • Meaning: The absolute temperature of the gas in Kelvin.
   • Common Units:
     • Kelvin (K)

Summary:

In the equation \(PV = nRT\):

• \(P\) is the pressure of the gas,
• \(V\) is the volume the gas occupies,
• \(n\) is the number of moles of the gas,
• \(R\) is the ideal gas constant,
• \(T\) is the absolute temperature of the gas in Kelvin.

This law allows for calculations involving the states of an ideal gas under various conditions of pressure, volume, and temperature.