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11
General
Chemistry
Module 12
Pressure and its Common
Units
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Pressure
Gases have numbers of special characteristics that differentiate them
from other states of matter. Unlike liquids and solids, gases: a. expand to fill
their containers, b. have indefinite shape, c. have extremely low densities, d.
are highly compressible, and e. can diffuse (spread out) or mix rapidly with
other gases in the same container (different gases in a mixture do not separate
upon standing).
Considering the gases’ characteristics, they are the only state of matter
that can be compressed very tightly or expanded to fill a very large space by
applying varying magnitudes of force.
Gases, when enclosed, exerts a force on the walls of its container. When
we talk about this particular force exerted by the substance per unit area on
another substance, we are simple referring to Pressure. Mathematically
speaking, pressure can be represented by the formula
P=F/A
Common Units of Pressure
Since the formula for pressure is already presented, the next question
will be, “How will pressure be expressed?”. To answer this, we will use the
following units that can quantify pressure.
a. Pascal (Pa)- the SI system’s basic unit, which is N/m 2 (Newton per
square meter). Its most commonly used prefix is the kilopascal (kPa)
which is equal to 1000 Pascals (Pa).
b. Standard Atmosphere (atm)- is the pressure within the atmosphere of
Earth. The atm unit is roughly equivalent to the mean sea-level
atmospheric pressure on Earth, that is, the Earth's atmospheric
pressure at sea level is approximately 1 atm.1 standard atmosphere
(atm) is equal to 101,325 Pascals (Pa).
c. Torr or millimeter of Mercury (mmHg)- is a non-SI unit of pressure
defined as 1/760 of an atmosphere. It was named after Evangelista
Torricelli, an Italian physicist and mathematician who discovered the
principle of the barometer.
d. Pound per square inch (psi)- more accurately, pound-force per square
inch is a unit of pressure or of stress based on avoirdupois units. It is
the pressure resulting from a force of one pound-force applied to an
area of one square inch. In SI units, 1 psi is approximately equal to
6895 Pascals (Pa).
Module 13
Gas Laws and Ideal Gas Equation
Created in the early 17th century, the gas laws have been around to
assist scientists in finding volumes, amount, pressures and temperature when
coming to matters of gas. The gas laws consist of three primary laws: Charles'
Law, Boyle's Law and Avogadro's Law.
Boyle’s Law by Robert Boyle
States that the pressure (P) of a given amount of gas held
at constant temperature (T) is inversely proportional to its
volume (V)
PV= constant
From the equation above, this formula for initial and final
pressure and volume can be derived
P V =P V
1 1 2 2
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Sample Problem
A 4 L container has a gas pressure of 10 atm. If the volume is
increased to 7 L, and the temperature remains the same, what will be the
new pressure of the gas?
Given: Formula: P1V1=P2V2
P1= 10 atm P2= ? T= constant
V 1= 4 L V 2= 7 L
(10 atm) (4 L)
Solution: P1V1=P2V2 P2=
7L
P1V1 P2V2 (10 atm) (4)
= P2=
V2 V2 7
P1V1
P2= P2= 5.71 atm
V2
Charles’ Law by Jacques Charles
States that the volume (V) of a given amount of gas held
at constant pressure (P) is directly proportional to its
temperature (T)
V/T= constant
From the equation given, initial and final volume and
temperature can be calculated by
V /T =V /T
1 1 2 2
Sample Problem
A 3.5 L flexible container holds a gas at 250 K. What will the volume
be if the temperature is increased to 400 K considering that the pressure
should remain constant?
Given: Formula: V1/T1=V2/T2
T1= 250 K T2= 400 K P= constant
V1= 3.5 L V 2= ?
V1T2 T1V2 (3.5 L) (400)
Solution: V1/T1=V2/T2 = V 2=
T1 T1 250
V1 V2 V1T2
= V 2= V2= 5.6 L
T1 T2 T1
(3.5 L) (400 K)
V1T2=T1V2 V 2=
250 K
Avogadro’s Law by Amedeo Avogadro
States that the volume (V) of a given gas at constant
temperature (T) and pressure (P) is directly proportional
to the number of moles (n) of the gas
V/n= constant
Same as before, initial and final pressure and
temperature can be calculated by
V /n =V /n
1 1 2 2
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Sample Problem
If 2.4 moles of gas occupy a volume of 60 L at a certain temperature
and pressure, how many moles of the same gas will occupy 92.5 L of volume
considering that the temperature and pressure are held constant?
Given: Formula: V1/n1=V2/n2
V1= 60 L V2= 92.5 L T and P= constant
n1= 2.4 moles n2= ?
V1n2 n1V2 (2.4 mol) (92.5)
Solution: V1/n1=V2/n2 = n2=
V1 V1 60
V1 V2 n1V2
= n2= n2= 3.7 mol
n1 n2 V1
(2.4 mol) (92.5 L)
V1n2=n1V2 n2=
60 L
The Ideal Gas Law deals with the Ideal Gas or the so called Perfect gas. Ideal
Gas is the theoretical substance that helps establish the relationship of
four gas variables, pressure (P), volume(V), the amount of gas(n)and
temperature(T). It has characters described as follow:
1. The particles in the gas are extremely small, so the gas does not occupy
any spaces.
2. The ideal gas has constant, random and straight-line motion.
3. No forces between the particles of the gas. Particles only collide
elastically with each other and with the walls of container.
The Ideal Gas Law is the combination of the three simple gas laws. It is
used by scientist to establish the relationship of pressure, temperature,
volume, and amount of gas. In equation form, the ideal gas law is represented
by the equation
PV=nRT
Where: P is pressure n is number of moles R is the gas constant
V is Volume T is temperature
In solving ideal gas law problems, you need to make sure to remember the
various units of the gas constant (R) because it will tell you what units should be used
in computing.
Aside from the different units of R, you should also remember its different
values.
Note: There are other values and units of R but we will predominantly use this one,
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0.08206 L.atm/ mol.K
Sample Problem 1
A 2.5 L container holds 0.45 moles of a certain gas at 315 K. What is
the pressure inside the container?
Given: Formula: PV= nRT
V= 2.5 L T= 315 K R= 0.08206 L.atm/ mol.K
n= 0.45 mol P= ?
(0.45 mol) (0.08206 L.atm/ mol.K) (315 K)
Solution: PV= nRT P=
2.5L
PV nRT (0.45) (0.08206 atm) (315)
= P=
V V 2.5
nRT
P= P= 4.65 atm
V
Sample Problem 2
How many moles of a certain gas should be placed in a 0.25 L container
at -24 C to produce 0.9378 atm?
Given: Formula: PV= nRT
V= 0.25 L T= -24 C convert to 249 K R= 0.08206 L.atm/ mol.K
n= ? P= 0.9378 atm
Note: Temperature (T) unit should be the same with T unit in the value of gas
constant (R). Since T in R is K…
K= C + 273
K=-24 C + 273
K= 249 K
(0.9378 atm) (0.25 L)
Solution: PV= nRT n=
(0.08206 L.atm/ mol.K) (249 K)
PV nRT (0.9378) (0.25)
= n=
RT RT (0.0820/ mol) (249)
PV
n= n= 0.01 mol
RT
Module 13
Dalton’s Law of Partial Pressures
Dalton’s Law of Partial Pressure
by John Dalton
⚫ States that the total pressure exerted by a
mixture of gases is equal to the sum of the partial
pressures of the gases in the mixture
⚫ Since the gases in the mixture of gases are
in one container, the Volume (V) and
Temperature (T) for the different gases are the
same as well
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⚫ Each gas exerts its own pressure on the system, which can be added up
to find the total pressure of the mixture of gases in a container. This is
shown by the equation
Ptotal = Pgas1 + Pgas2 + Pgas3 + Pgasn
Sample Problem 1
Calculate the total pressure present in a storage tank that contains
Argon, Oxygen and Nitrogen which exerts individual pressures respectively
200 torr, 300 torr and 500 torr.
Given: Pgas1= 200 torr Pgas3= 500 torr
Pgas2= 300 torr Ptotal= ?
Solution: PTotal=Pgas1+Pgas2+Pgas3
PTotal= 200 torr + 300 torr + 500 torr
PTotal= 1000 torr
Sample Problem 2
Nitrogen and oxygen gases are mixed in a container exerting a total
pressure of 61.5 atm. Calculate the partial pressure exerted by the oxygen
gas if the pressure exerted by the nitrogen gas is 24.6 atm.
Given: PTotal= 61.5 atm Pgas1= 24.6 atm Pgas2= ?
Solution: PTotal=Pgas1+Pgas2
Pgas2 = PTotal-Pgas1
Pgas2 = 61.5 atm - 24.6 atm
Pgas2 = 36. 9 atm
Mole Fraction
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From the partial pressure of a certain gas and the total pressure of a
certain mixture, the mole fraction (X) of a gas can be found. In equation form
Pgas1=x1PTotal
This describes what fraction or ratio of the mixture is a specific gas.
Sample Problem 1
If oxygen exerts 4 atm of pressure in a mixture and the total pressure
of the system is 10 atm, what would be the mole fraction of oxygen in the
mixture?
Given: Pgas1= 4 atm PTotal = 10 atm x1 =?
4 atm
Solution: Pgas1=x1PTotal x1 =
10 atm
Pgas1 x1PTotal
= x1= 0.4 atm
PTotal PTotal
Pgas1
x1 = 2
Sample Problem PTotal
If neon exerts 10 atm of pressure in a mixture and the total pressure
of the system is 28 atm, what would be the mole fraction of oxygen in the
mixture?
Given: Pgas1= 10 atm PTotal = 28 atm x1 =?
10 atm
Solution: Pgas1=x1PTotal x1 =
28 atm
Pgas1 x1PTotal
PTotal
= PTotal
x1= 0.36 atm
Pgas1
x1 =
PTotal
Module 14
Apply the principles of stoichiometry
to determine the amounts (volume,
number of moles, or mass) of gaseous
reactants and products
Stoichiometry is the quantitative study of the relative amounts of
reactants and products in chemical reactions; gas stoichiometry involves
chemical reactions that produce gases.
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Stoichiometric calculations involving gases allow us to convert between
mass, number of moles, and most importantly, volume of gases. The following
relationship makes this possible: 1 mole of any gas at standard temperature
and pressure (273K at 1 atm) occupies a volume of 22.4 L
Sample Problem 1
What is the volume of 5.10 moles of Ar gas at STP?
Given: 5.10 moles of Ar Find L of Ar
Balanced chemical equation: None
22.4 L
Solution: 5.10 mol of Ar x = 114.24 L of Ar
1 mol Ar
Sample Problem 2
How many moles of Ne gas are present in 78.624 L at STP?
Given: 78.624 L of Ne Find mol of Ne
Balanced chemical equation: None
1 mol
Solution: 78.624 L of Ne x = 3.51 mol of Ne
22.4 L Ne
Sample Problem 3
Chemical equation: 4NH3 +7O2 4NO2 + 6H2O
At STP, what volume of NO2 is produced from the combustion of 100 g of
NH3?
Given: 100 g of NH3 Find L of NO2
Solution:
1 mol of NH3 4 mol of NO2 22.4 L
100 g of NH3 x x x = 132 L of NO2
17 g of NH3 4 mol of NH3 1 mol of NO2
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Sample Problem 4
At STP, how many grams of MgCO3 should be heated to have a resulting
3.59 L of CO2. Note that MgCO3 decomposes into MgO and CO2.
Given: 3.59 L of CO2 Find g of MgCO3
Balanced chemical equation: MgCO3 MgO + CO2
Solution:
1 mol of CO2 1 mol of MgCO3 84.32 g of MgCO3
3.59 L of CO2 x x x
22.4 L of CO2 1 mol of CO2 1 mol of MgCO3
= 13.51 g of MgCO3
Module 14
Relate the rate of gas effusion with
molar mass
Effusion is the process in which gas particles escape or move
through a tiny hole from chamber to chamber.
Chamber 1 Chamber 2
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Thomas Graham discovered that heavy gases move slower than lighter
gases.
Graham’s law of effusion by Thomas Graham:
• Used to measure the rate at which the particles exit1 container
if a tiny hole us placed.
• Stated as the rate of effusion of a gaseous substance is inversely
proportional to the square root of its molar mass in equation
form.
R M
a = 𝑏
R M
𝑎
• The
b
rate (R) and molar mass (M) of Gas A is represented by the
subscript a while Gas B is represented by the subscript b
• Here, we are looking at the rate at which Gas A moves compared
to the rate of Gas B moves.
To solve for problems involving Graham’s law of effusion we must follow these
steps:
1. Analyze the problem and identify what gases are involved.
2. Identify which of the gases has greater or lighter molar mass based on
the periodic table of elements.
3. Use the Graham’s law of effusion formula
4. Solve what is being asked
5. Box the final answer
Note:
1. The molar mass found in the periodic table of elements should be
rounded of to the nearest ones.
2. Ideally, the gas with lighter molar mass are labeled as Gas A and the
heavier one is labeled as gas B.
Remember: Refer to a periodic table of elements in determining the molar
mass of elements.
Sample Problem 1
Compare the rate of effusion of hydrogen (H𝟐) gas to oxygen (O𝟐) gas.
Ra M𝑏
Given: Formula: =√
Rb M𝑎
Gas A (H𝟐 ) molar mass= 1 g/mol x 2= 2 g/mol
Gas B (O𝟐 ) molar mass= 16 g/mol x 2= 32 g/mol
Note: Since the hydrogen and oxygen gases are diatomic (meaning composed of two atoms), we
will multiply their respective molar mases from the periodic table by 2.
Also, since H𝟐 has lighter molar mass compared to O𝟐, H𝟐 will be Gas A and O𝟐 will be
Gas B
Ra M𝑏 Ra
Solution: =√ = √16
Rb M𝑎 Rb
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Sample Problem 2
Compare the rate of effusion of argon (Ar) gas to nitrogen (N𝟐) gas.
Ra M𝑏
Given: Formula: =√
Rb M𝑎
Gas A (N𝟐 ) molar mass= 14 g/mol x 2= 28 g/mol
Gas B (Ar ) molar mass= 40 g/mol
Note: Since the nitrogen gas is diatomic (meaning composed of two atoms), we will multiply its
respective molar mas from the periodic table by 2.
Also, since N𝟐 has lighter molar mass compared to Ar, N𝟐 will be Gas A and Ar will be
Gas B
Ra M𝑏 Ra
Solution: =√ = √1.428571429
Rb M𝑎 Rb
Ra 40 g/mol Ra
=√ = 1.20 or
Rb 28 g/mol Rb
Written Work No. 3
Directions: Write the letter of the correct answer on a separate sheet of paper.
1. Which of the following variables is not used in the three basic gas
laws?
a. volume
b. pressure
c. temperature
d. gas constant
2. The following are the formulas for the three basic gas laws except?
a. V /T =V /T
1 1 2 2
b. P V =P V
1 1 2 2
c. PV=nRT
d. V /n =V /n
1 1 2 2
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3. Gas laws are created in the early ____ century.
a. 15th
b. 16th
c. 17th
d. 18th
4. The amount of gas in a given volume is known as.
a. Pressure
b. temperature
c. gas constant
d. number of moles
5. The three basic gas laws were proposed by the following except.
a. Robert Boyle
b. Jacques Charles
c. Amedeo Avogadro
d. Guillaume Amontons
6. Which of the following variables is used in Avogadro’s Law but not in
Boyle’s and Charles’ Law?
a. volume
b. pressure
c. temperature
d. number of moles
7. In computing gas law problems, what unit of temperature is used?
a. Kelvin
b. Celcius
c. Rankine
d. Fahrenheit
8. Which of the following values of gas constant (R) is wrong?
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a. 8.315 m /mol.K
b. 0.08206 L.atm/ mol.K
c. 1.987 cal/ mol.K
d. 62.36 L.torr/ mol.K
9. Who proposed the Gas Law mathematically represented as V/T=
constant?
a. Robert Boyle
b. Jacques Charles
c. Amedeo Avogadro
d. Guillaume Amontons
10. What is the relationship between volume and temperature of a gas held
at a constant pressure as said by Jacques Charles?
a. directly proportional
b. inversely proportional
c. no relationship at all
d. insufficient data
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Written Work No. 4
Directions: Choose the letter of the best answer. Write the chosen letter
on a separate sheet of paper.
1. What will be the total pressure present in a container which has
two different gases exerting individual pressures of 150 torr and
100 torr?
a. 1.5 torr
b. 50 torr
c. 250 torr
d. 150 torr
2. A mixture of two gases exerts a total pressure of 20 atm. What will be
the partial pressure exerted by Gas B if Gas A exerts 16 atm of
pressure?
a. 4 atm
b. 36 atm
c. 320 atm
d. 1.6 atm
3. The partial pressure of gas X is 30 mmHg. The partial pressure of gas
Y is 250 mmHg. The partial pressure of gas Z is 210 torr. What is
total pressure exerted by the gases in this system?
a. 280 mmHg
b. 170 mmHg
c. 460 mmHg
d. 490 mmHg
4. A sealed vessel contains 45% oxygen, 30% carbon dioxide, and 25%
nitrogen gas. The total pressure of the gas mixture is 4 atmospheres.
What is the partial pressure of the nitrogen?
a. 1.8 atm
b. 1.2 atm
c. 1.0 atm
d. 2.0 atm
5. If nitrogen exerts a 17atm of pressure in a mixture and the total
pressure of the system is 30 atm, what would be the mole fraction of
nitrogen in the mixture?
a. 1.50 atm
b. -13 atm
c. 0.57 atm
d. 1.76 atm
6. Compute for the mole fraction of oxygen exerting a pressure of 6.28 atm
in a gas mixture which has a total pressure of 25 atm.
a. 1.00 atm
b. 0.25 atm
c. 1.25 atm
d. 18.72 atm
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7. If neon exerts 12 atm of pressure in a mixture and the total pressure of
the system is 35 atm, what would be the mole fraction of neon in the
mixture?
a. 0.34 atm
b. 23 atm
c. 2.92 atm
d. 1.43 atm
8. What will be the total pressure present in a container which has three
different gases exerting individual pressures of 128 torr, 246 torr and
275 torr?
a. 521 torr
b. 527 torr
c. 645 torr
d. 649 torr
9. A mixture of gases namely argon, neon and oxygen were placed in a
container. If these gases exert partial pressures of 200 torr, 214 torr
and 300 torr respectively, what will be the total pressure exerted by the
gas mixture?
a. 714 torr
b. 500 torr
c. 514 torr
d. 414 torr
10. Compute for the mole fraction of neon exerting a pressure of 0.28 atm
in a gas mixture which has a total pressure of 1.15 atm.
a. 5.75 atm
b. 0.20 atm
c. 0.24 atm
d. 0.87 atm
11. According to Thomas, Graham, heavy gases move __________
lighter gases.
a. faster than d. insufficient data to
b. slower than answer
c. the same as
12. What is the rate of effusion of hydrogen (H2) gas compared
to nitrogen (N2) gas?
a. 3.74 times faster c. 3.74 times slower
b. 14 times faster d. 14 times slower
13. What is the rate of effusion of oxygen (O2) gas compared to
Argon (Ar) gas?
a. 1.12 times faster c. 1.12 times slower
b. 1.25 times faster d. 1.25 times faster
14. It is the process in which gas particles escape or move
through a tiny hole from chamber to chamber.
a. decantation c. filtration
b. effusion d. stoichiometry
15. Graham’s law of effusion can be mathematically presented
as:
R M
a. a = M𝑏
R
b 𝑎
b. P1V1=P2V2
c. V1/T1=V2/T2
d. V1/n1=V2/n2
Performance Task No. 3
Directions: Complete the box of values of pressure below. Use the Conversion
factor of values as guide.
Conversion factor values.
1 kPa=1000 Pa
1 atm= 101,325 Pa
1 mmHg= 1 Torr
1 psi= 6895 Pa
1 atm= 101.33 kPa= 760 mmHg= 760 Torr= 14.7 psi
Pressure Box of Values
1 atm 101.33 kPa 14.7 psi
11,400 mmHg __________ atm 11,400 Torr
__________ atm 354.66 kPa __________ Pa
80.85 psi __________ Torr __________ atm
Performance Task No. 4
Directions: Solve for what is being asked in each problem. Show your
solutions.
1. 0.785 moles of a certain gas fill a balloon at 1.5 atm and 301 K. What is the
volume of the balloon?
2. A certain gas is placed in a 33 L container at 27 C. How many moles of the
gas is present in the container if its pressure is 1 atm?
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