Unit VII-Gases 1

Topic I: Gases
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
At the end of the topic, students will be able to:
1. 1. determine qualitatively and quantitatively the effect of changes in any one of the following
properties of a gas on the other properties: pressure, volume and temperature.
2. describe the relationship between the number of moles of a gas and its volume.
3. use the ideal gas law to determine any of the following properties of a particular mass or number
of moles of a gas given all the others: pressure, volume and temperature.
4. differentiate a real gas from an ideal gas; and
5. solve problems related to gas laws.

PRESENTATION OF CONTENT
A. KINETIC MOLECULAR THEORY OF GASES
The kinetic molecular model is a general theory which can be used to explain various properties of solids,
liquids and gases. It states that matter consists of small particles that are in constant motion interacting with each
other. To explain the behavior of gases, the kinetic molecular theory of gases was adopted. This theory was developed
during the middle of the nineteenth century. The postulates of the kinetic molecular theory as applied to gases are
outline below:
1. A gas consists of very small particles. The particles are in constant, random, straight-line motion.
2. The molecules of a gas are very far from each other relative to their size.
3. There is no interaction between molecules; they act independently of one another.
4. Molecules collide with each other and with the walls of the container in a perfectly elastics manner. (This
means that after each collision, the total kinetic energy of the system is the same.)

B. THE CONCEPT OF PRESSURE AND THE MEANING OF TEMPERATURE

Pressure and temperature are very familiar concepts, but they are quite hard to visualize physically. Hands
pressing on your shoulder is one common sensation of pressure. During summer, you feel hot and you would you say
that the temperature is high. The concepts of pressure and temperature can also be explained by the kinetic molecular
theory.

B.1. PRESSURE
The atmosphere is made up of molecules of different gases. According to the kinetic molecular theory, these
molecules are in constant motion. They collide with each other and with all the objects on the surface of the earth,
including human beings. This is known as atmospheric pressure. The standard atmospheric is 1 atmosphere (1 atm).
Atmospheric pressure is very close to 1 atm.
Try blowing air into a balloon. After inflating it, the balloon feels harder and keeps its shape. The kinetic
molecular theory postulates that the molecules of air inside the balloon are constantly moving. They collide with each
other and with the walls of the balloon. In their collision, the gas molecules exert a force on the walls of the container.
This force applied to a certain area of the container wall results in pressure. Pressure is defined as the force per unit
area. (P = F/A)
The SI unit of pressure is newtons per square meter (N /m2). This unit is also called pascal (Pa) in honor of
French scientist Blaise Pascal. Another unit of pressure is millimeters mercury, derived from the use of the mercury
barometer in measuring atmospheric pressure. One-millimeter mercury is also called torr in honor of Italian
mathematicians Evangelista Torricelli. Common units of pressure equal to one atmosphere are as follows:
1 atm = about 105 Pa 1 atm = 760 mm Hg or 760 Torr
Atmospheric pressure is also greater at sea level than at higher altitude because: (1) there are more molecules
of air pressing per unit area of surface at sea level, and (2) the height and corresponding weight of a column of air
extending from the ground and up is greater that that of a column of air extending from a higher altitude and up.

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 Unit VII-Gases 2

B.2. TEMPERATURE
William Thomson (1824 – 1907), an English physicist also known as Lord Kelvin, designed a temperature scale
we now know as the Kelvin scale or absolute temperature scale. The absolute temperature scale assigns a value of
zero to the lowest temperature. The 0 K is equal to -273°C. The relationship of the Celsius and Kelvin scales is as follows:
K = °C+ 273.
The absolute temperature of a gas is a measure of the average kinetic energy of its molecules. As the absolute
temperature of a gas increases, the average kinetic energy of its molecules also increases, and vice versa. Therefore,
once 0K or absolute zero is reached, theoretically all molecules will stop moving.
The properties of gases depend on temperature and pressure. Standards for these two properties are defined
to easily compare the properties of several gases. The standard temperature is 0°C and the standard pressure is 1 atm
or 760 torr. The combination of temperature and pressure is abbreviated as STP, standard temperature and pressure.

B.3. GAS LAWS

B.3.1. BOYLE’S LAW
The English chemist, Robert Boyle (1627 – 1691) was the first to investigate the relationship between pressure
of a gas and its volume. For his experiment, Boyle used an improved version of the air pump made by fellow scientist,
Robert Hooke (1635 – 1703). Boyle noticed that the volume of the gas trapped in the tube behind the column of
mercury decreased as he increased the applied pressure by adding mercury to the tube. From this observation, Boyle
concluded that pressure is inversely proportional to volume such that doubling the pressure decreases the volume of
the gas to half its original value. This later became known as Boyle’s law.
Boyle’s law states that “For a given mass of any gas and with the temperature held constant, the volume of
the gas varies inversely with pressure.
Consider a gas inside a cylinder closed off by a freely moving piston with an initial volume of 44.8 L and a
pressure of 1.0 atm. When the pressure is doubled, the volume decreases to one-half. Increasing the pressure to 4.0
atm will further decrease the volume of the gas to 11.2 L. the values of pressure and the corresponding volume are
summarized in Table 1.

Pressure (atm) Volume (L)

1.0 44.8
1.5 29.87
2.0 22.4
3.0 14.93
4.0 11.2
Table 1. Values of pressure and the corresponding volume.

Mathematically, the relationship between pressure and volume can be expressed as:
1
𝑃∝
𝑉
𝑘1
𝑃=
𝑉
𝑃𝑉 = 𝑘

For a given mass of any gas, at a constant temperature, the product of pressure and volume is constant. Thus,
Boyle’s law is written as follows:
P1V1 = P2V2
where P1 and V1 are the initial pressure and volume, and P2 and V2 are the final pressure and volume of the same
amount of gas at the same temperature.

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 Unit VII-Gases 3

Sample problem 1: A tank of nitrogen has a volume of 14.0 L and a pressure of 760.0 mm Hg. Find the volume
of the nitrogen when its pressure is changed to 400.0 mm Hg while the temperature is held constant.

Given: V1 = 14.0 L P1 = 760.0 mm Hg P2 = 400.0 mm Hg

Find: V2?

Solution: The pressure and volume vary as the temperature is kept constant. Using the equation for
Boyle’s law, P1V1 = P2V2, derive the equation for V2 and solve:

𝑃1𝑉1
𝑉2 =
𝑃2

760.0 mm Hg x 14.0 L
= 400.0 mm Hg

= 26.6 L

Sample problem 2: A 200-L helium gas at a temperature of 28°C and a pressure of 2.00 atm was transferred
to a tank with a volume of 68.0 L. What is the internal pressure of the tank if the temperature is maintained?

Given: V1 = 200 L P1 = 2.00 atm V2 = 68.0 L

Find: P2

Solution: Using the equation for Boyle’s law, P1V1 = P2V2, derive the equation for P2 and solve:
𝑃1𝑉1
𝑃2 =
𝑉2
2.00 atm x 200 L
=
68.0 𝐿

= 5.88 atm

The mechanics of a bicycle pump is governed by Boyle’s law. The washer in a bicycle pump allows air to enter
the barrel from outside during the upstroke, but during the downstroke, this air can no longer escape to the outside
and is compressed in the barrel. As the volume decreases, the pressure increases, but at first, the air cannot escape
because the valve in the bicycle inner tube prevents it from entering that tube. This valve is closed because the
pressure of the air already in the tube prevents the entry of further gas. Only when the pressure of the air in the pump
is greater than that in the inner tube will the valve open and allow more air into the tube, further increasing the
pressure. This means that, at the next stroke of the pump, the air will have to be compressed even more. As the
pressure in the tube increases, it gets harder and harder to depress the pump.

B.3.2. CHARLES’ LAW

Another gas law states the relationship between volume and temperature. To test the validity of this law,
perform the simple laboratory activity in the TASK below and find out the effect of varying the temperature on the
volume of a gas.
TASK
You will need the following: 1 small balloon; 2 basins and hot and cold water.
A. Place hot water in one basin and cold water in the other.
B. Inflate the balloon with air so that it is almost but not quite full without being stretched and dip it in the
basin with cold water and observe what happens.

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 Unit VII-Gases 4

C. Then dip the balloon in the basin with hot water and observe what happens.
D. Explain your observations in terms of the kinetic molecular theory.

From the task above, you will observe that the volume of the gas inside the balloon increase as temperature
increases.
The relationship between volume and temperature was first observes by French physicist and balloonist
Jacques Charles (1746 – 1823). From his experiment on balloons, Charles observed that at constant pressure, the
volume of a gas increases with every increase in temperature. Similarly, volume decreases as temperature decreases.
Thus, Charles’ law states the volume-temperature relationship this way, “The volume of a fixed amount of gas
maintained at constant pressure is directly proportional to its absolute temperature.
This law expressed mathematically as:
𝑉∝𝑇
𝑉 = 𝑘𝑇
𝑉
=𝑘
𝑇
Where V is the volume of the gas and T is the temperature expressed in Kelvin.
The ratio between volume and temperature at a given pressure and number of moles of a gas is a constant k.
Charles’ law also explains what happens to a gas if one of the properties – temperature or volume is altered
while the pressure and amounts of gas remain constant. For this condition, the following equation is used:
𝑉1 𝑉2
=
𝑇1 𝑇2
Where V1 and T1 are the initial volume and temperature, and V2 and T2 are the final volume and temperature.

Sample problem 1: A balloon has a volume of 2500.0 mL on a day when the temperature is 30.0°C. if the
temperature at night falls to 10.0°C, what will be the volume of the balloon if the pressure remains constant?

Given: T1 = 30.0°C = (30.0+273K) = 303K

T2 = 10.0°C = (10.0 + 273K) = 283K
V1 = 2500.0 mL
Find: V2

Solution: The temperature and volume vary while the pressure and amount of gas remain constant. Using the
general equation for Charles’ law,
𝑉1 𝑉2
= ,
derive the equation for V2.
𝑇1 𝑇2
V1T2
𝑉2 =
T1

2500.0 mL x 283.0 K
= 303.0 K

= 2335 mL

Sample problem 2: Find the final temperature of a 2.00-L gas sample at 20.0C cooled until it occupies a
volume of 500 mL.

Given: V1 = 2.00 L
V2 = 500 mL = 0.500 L
T1 = 20.0°C = 293.0 K
Find: T2

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 Unit VII-Gases 5

Solution: Use the general equation for Charles’ law to derive the equation for T2.
T1V2
𝑇2 =
V1

293.0 K x 0.500 L
= 2.00 L

= 73.3 K

When flying hot-air balloons, balloonists apply the principle of Charles’ law. As the air inside the balloon is
heated, its volume increases. As it expands, the density of the air decreases. The density of hot air is less than that of
cold air. The difference in density between the air inside and outside the balloon makes the hot-air balloon rise.

B.3.3. GAY-LUSSAC’S LAW

Drivers are usually advised to decrease the pressure on their tires when they travel during hot days. Do you
know why? To answer this question, let us investigate the relationship between pressure and temperature.
Joseph Louis Gay-Lussac (1778 – 1850), a French chemist, pioneered in the study of the relationship between
pressure and temperature. He stated that, “For a given mass of gas in a container of fixed volume, the pressure is
directly proportional to the absolute temperature (in Kelvin).
This is known as Gay-Lussac’s law. If the absolute temperature is doubled, the pressure exerted by the gas also
doubles. Mathematically:
𝑃∝𝑇
𝑃 = 𝑘𝑇
𝑃
=𝑘
𝑇
The ratio of pressure and temperature is constant since pressure and temperature are directly proportional.
𝑃1 𝑃2
Correspondingly, =
𝑇1 𝑇2

Sample problem 1: A sample of gas at a pressure of 3.00 x 103mm Hg inside a steel tank is cooled from
500.0°C to 0.00°C. What is the final pressure of the gas inside the steel tank?

Given: P1 = 3.00 x 103 mm Hg

T1 = 500.0°C = 773.0K
T2 = 0.00°C = 273.0 K
Find: P2

Solution: Use the equation for Gay-Lussac’s law to derive the equation for P2 then solve.
𝑃1 𝑃2
= 𝑇2
𝑇1

𝑃1𝑇2
𝑃2 =
𝑇1

= (3.00 x 103 mm Hg) (273.0K)

773.0 K

= 1.06 x 103 mm Hg

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 Unit VII-Gases 6

B.3.4. AVOGADRO’S LAW

When you inflate a tire or a balloon the volume of the container or the pressure inside the container increases
due to the increase in the amount of gas inside the container.
According to Avogadro’s law, different gases with the same number of molecules at the same condition of
pressure and temperature occupy the same volume. Thus, one mole of any ideal gas at standard temperature and
pressure occupies a constant volume of 22.4 L. This volume is very close to the volume of three standard-sized
basketballs. Another way of stating Avogadro’s law is that the volume of a gas at constant temperature and pressure
is directly proportional to the amount of gas expressed in moles, n.
𝑉∝𝑛
𝑉 = 𝑘𝑛
𝑉
=𝑘
𝑛
𝑉1 𝑉2
=
𝑛1 𝑛2
This means that two different gases with the same volume at the same volume temperature and pressure
contain an equal number of molecules.
Avogadro’s law states that two different gases with the same volume contain the same number of molecules
at any given temperature and pressure.

Sample problem: If 0.25 mol of argon gas occupies a volume of 76.2 mL at a particular temperature and
pressure, what volume would 0.43 mol of argon have under the same conditions?

Given: n1 = 0.25 mol

N2 = 0.43 mol
V1 = 76.2 mL
Find: V2

Solution: Use Avogadro’s law to solve for V2.

𝑉1 𝑉2
= 𝑛2
𝑛1

𝑉1
V2 = 𝑛1 x n2

76.2 mL
= x 0.43 mol
0.25 mol

= 131 mL

B.3.5. THE COMBINED GAS LAW

Boyle’s and Charles’ law can be combined and treated as a single law which describes the relationship
among the pressure, volume and temperature of a constant amount of gas.
1
Boyle’s law: 𝑉 ∝
𝑃

Charles’ law: 𝑉 ∝ 𝑇

𝑇 𝑃𝑉
Combined gas law: 𝑉 ∝ or 𝑃𝑉 ∝ 𝑇 or = 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑡
𝑃 𝑇

In mathematical equation, the combined gas law can be written as:

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 Unit VII-Gases 7

𝑃1𝑉1 𝑃2𝑉2
=
𝑇1 𝑇2

Sample problem: A given mass of a gas has a volume of 800.0 mL at -23.00°C and 300.0 torr. What would
the volume of the gas be at 27.00°C and 600.0 torr of pressure? The amount of the gas is constant.

Given: T1= -23.00°C = 250.0 K

T2= 27.00°C = 300.0 K
P1= 300.0 torr
P2= 600.0 torr
V1= 800.0 mL
Find: V2

Solution: From the combined gas law, derive the equation for V2.
𝑃1𝑉1 𝑃2𝑉2
=
𝑇1 𝑇2

𝑃1𝑉1 𝑇2
V2 = x 𝑃2
𝑇1

300.0 𝑡𝑜𝑟𝑟 𝑥 800.0 𝑚𝐿 300.0 𝐾

=
250.0 𝐾
x 600.0 𝑡𝑜𝑟𝑟

= 480.0 mL
The pressure-volume-temperature relationship gives us an insight on how gases and volatile liquids should be
stored. Tanks containing flammable gases like oxygen and hydrogen should be stored in cool places to prevent the
build-up of pressure inside the container. We should also avoid placing spray cans which contain volatile substances
near a flame or throwing them into a flame to prevent them from exploding. Observing these precautionary measures
will help avoid accidents.

B.3.6. IDEAL GAS EQUATION

The kinetic molecular theory assumes that the particles of a gas have negligible volume and no attraction
exists between molecules. The theory describes what is called an ideal gas. The laws previously discussed – Boyle’s
Law, Charles’ Law, Avogadro’s Law and Gay-Lussac’s Law – describe ideal gas behavior. The equations representing
these laws may be integrated to arrive at one equation which interrelates pressure, volume, temperature and number
of moles of a gas. This is the ideal gas equation. Boyle’s Law, Charles’ Law and Avogadro’s Law are repeated below:
1
Boyle’s Law: 𝑉 ∝
𝑃

Charles’ Law: 𝑉 ∝ 𝑇

Avogadro’s Law: 𝑉 ∝ 𝑛

Combining of the three gas laws will yield a more general equation:
𝑛𝑇
𝑉∝
𝑃

𝑛𝑇
𝑉=𝑅
𝑃

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 Unit VII-Gases 8

Where R is the gas constant. Rearranging, we arrive at the ideal gas equation:

PV=nRT

The temperature, pressure and volume of an ideal gas are related to each other by the ideal gas equation.
Since R is a constant, it does not change its numerical value at any condition of P,V,T and n. The constant R is known
as the gas constant and can be computed from the ideal gas equation.
Let us consider 1.0 mol of an ideal gas at STP. One mole of an ideal gas at STP occupies a volume of 22.4 L.
rearranging the ideal gas equation:

𝑃𝑉 (1.0 𝑎𝑡𝑚)(22.4𝐿)
𝑅 = 𝑛𝑇 = (1.0 𝑚𝑜𝑙 )(273 𝐾)

𝑳∙𝒂𝒕𝒎
R = 0.0821
𝒎𝒐𝒍∙𝑲

Sample problem 1: What volume will 1.27 mol of helium gas occupy at STP?

Given: n = 1.27 mol

T = 273 K
P = 1.00 atm
𝐿∙𝑎𝑡𝑚
R = 0.0821
𝑚𝑜𝑙∙𝐾
Find: V
Solution:
PV = nRT

𝑛𝑅𝑇
𝑉=
𝑃

𝐿∙𝑎𝑡𝑚
= (1.27 mol) 0.0821 (273 K)
𝑚𝑜𝑙∙𝐾

1 atm

= 28.5 L

Sample problem 2: How many moles of a gas are contained in a 50.0-L cylinder at a pressure of 100.0 atm
and a temperature of 35.0°C?

Given: V = 50.0 L
P = 100.0 atm
T = 35.0°C = 308 K
𝐿∙𝑎𝑡𝑚
R = 0.0821
𝑚𝑜𝑙∙𝐾

Find: n

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 Unit VII-Gases 9

Solution: PV = nRT

𝑃𝑉
𝑛 = 𝑅𝑇

= (100.0 atm) (50.0 L)

𝐿∙𝑎𝑡𝑚
0.0821 (308 K)
𝑚𝑜𝑙∙𝐾

= 198 mol

B.3.7. MIXTURE OF GASES – DALTON’S LAW OF PARTIAL PRESSURES

Partial pressure refers to the pressure of each gas would exert at the same temperature and at the same
volume, in the absence of all other gases. Since the partial pressure of each gas component reflects the fraction of its
molecules in the total number of molecules of the entire mixture, we can use the percentage of each component to
calculate its partial pressure.
PTotal = PA + PB + PC +….Pn

This equation represents Dalton’s law of partial pressures which states that:
“The total pressure of a mixture of gases equals the sum of the partial pressures of each of the gases in the
mixture.
Table 1 shows the composition of dry air. It is referred to as dry air because of water vapor is not included. But
air is not dry at all. It has varying amounts of water vapor ranging from trace amount to as much as 4% by volume. The
water vapor in the atmosphere is responsible for the weather occurrences in the troposphere.

Table 1. Composition of Dry Air

GAS PERCENTAGE (%) PARTIAL PRESSURE
(atm)
Nitrogen 78.1 0.781
Oxygen 20.9 0.209
Carbon dioxide 0.03 0.0003
Ar and others 0.9 0.009

Sample problem: A container holds three gases: oxygen, carbon dioxide and helium. The partial pressures
of the three gases are 2.00 atm, 3.00 atm and 4.00 atm, respectively. What is the total pressure inside the container?

Given: P Oxygen = 2.00 atm

P Carbon dioxide = 3.00 atm
P helium = 4.00 atm
Find: P Total

Solution: Use the equation for Dalton’s law of partial pressures.

PTotal = Poxygen + Pcarbon dioxde + Phelium

= 2.00 atm + 3.00 atm + 4.00 atm

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 Unit VII-Gases 10

= 9.00 atm

Application. Solve the following problems. Show the solution.

1. A gas syringe contains 56.05 mL of a gas at 315.1 K. Determine the volume that the gas will occupy if the
temperature is increased to 380.5 K at the same pressure.
2. A certain gas occupies 25.3 mL at a pressure of 790.5 mm Hg. Determine the volume if the pressure is
reduced to 0.804 atm and the temperature is kept constant.
3. Determine the new pressure when a constant volume of gas at 1.00 atm is heated from 20.0°C to 30.0°C.
4. A gas balloon has a volume of 96.0 L when the temperature is 35°C and the pressure is 740 mm Hg. What
will be its volume at 21°C and 820 mm Hg?
5. If 23.1 g of oxygen occupies a volume of 5.0 L at a particular temperature and pressure, what volume will
2.50 g of oxygen gas occupy under the same conditions?
6.how many moles would be present in a gas contained in a 100.0 mL vessel at 25.0°C at a pressure of 2.50
atm?
7. A container with two gases, helium and argon, is 30.0% helium by volume. Calculate the partial pressure
of helium and argon if the total pressure inside the container is 4.00 atm?
8.If 15.0 L of neon at 25.0°C is heated at constant pressure, at what temperature will it occupy a volume of
4.50 L?
9.At conditions of 785.0 torr and 15.0°C, a gas occupies a volume of 45.5 mL. What will be the volume of the
same gas at 745.0 torr and 30.0°C?

Feedback. Answer the following questions.

1. explain what happens to the volume or size of a balloon as it rises in the air. Assume the temperature to
remain constant.
2. The relationship between pressure and temperature is stated by Gay-Lussac’s law. Draw a graph that
depicts the direct relationship between pressure and temperature.
3. Explain why drivers are advised to decrease the pressure of their vehicle’s tires when they travel during
hot days.

General Chemistry