Ideal gas law Calculator
Relate pressure, volume and temperature of a gas.
Formula first
Overview
The ideal gas law is an equation of state that relates the pressure, volume, temperature, and amount of a hypothetical ideal gas. It serves as a fundamental approximation for the behavior of many gases under various conditions by combining Boyle's, Charles's, and Avogadro's laws.
Symbols
Variables
p = Pressure, V = Volume, n = Moles, R = Gas Constant, T = Temperature
Apply it well
When To Use
When to use: Apply this equation when gas particles are far enough apart that their individual volumes and intermolecular attractions are negligible. It is most accurate at high temperatures and low pressures, typical of many atmospheric and laboratory conditions.
Why it matters: It is essential for calculating the properties of gases in diverse fields such as meteorology, chemical engineering, and respiratory physiology. Understanding this law allows for the prediction of how gases will expand or contract in response to environmental changes.
Avoid these traps
Common Mistakes
- Using Celsius instead of Kelvin.
- Mixing liters and m³.
One free problem
Practice Problem
Practice Problem 1
A 2.0 mole sample of oxygen gas is contained in a 5.0 liter vessel at a temperature of 300 K. Calculate the pressure exerted by the gas in atmospheres.
Solve for:
Hint: Rearrange the formula to p = nRT / V and ensure the gas constant R is in L·atm/mol·K.
Practice Problem 2
A weather balloon contains 10.0 moles of helium gas at a pressure of 101325 Pa and a temperature of 273 K. Find the volume of the balloon in cubic meters.
Solve for:
Hint: When using SI units (Pascals and Joules), the resulting volume will be in cubic meters.
Practice Problem 3
A 0.5 mole sample of nitrogen gas exerts a pressure of 2.0 atmospheres in a 6.0 liter container. What is the temperature of the gas in Kelvin?
Solve for:
Hint: Isolate the temperature variable by dividing the product of pressure and volume by the product of moles and the gas constant.
The full worked solution stays in the interactive walkthrough.
References
Sources
- AQA A-Level Physics — Thermal Physics