Standard temperature and pressure (STP) is a reference point used in various scientific fields, particularly in chemistry and physics, for thermodynamic calculations. At STP, the conditions are typically defined as:
- Temperature: 0 degrees Celsius (273.15 Kelvin)
- Pressure: 1 atmosphere (atm) or 101.325 kPa
Under these conditions, one mole of an ideal gas occupies approximately 22.4 liters. It's important to note that different organizations may define STP slightly differently, especially in terms of temperature and pressure, but the above values are the most commonly used.
In some contexts, such as in the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC), a newer standard has been proposed:
- Temperature: 0 degrees Celsius (273.15 Kelvin)
- Pressure: 100 kPa
Despite these variations, the concept of STP remains vital for performing calculations involving gases, stoichiometry, and thermodynamic properties.