An ideal gas at a temperature of 22 C is trapped in a metal cylinder of volume 0.2 m^3 at a pressure of 1.6x10^6 Pa. The gas has a molar mass of 4.3 x 10^(-2) kg mol^(-1). Calculate the density of the gas in the cylinder.

It's useful to start from the density formula and see what we need to find. The density is given by (rho) = m/V

We know the volume V, so we only need to find the mass m.

We are given the value for molar mass, and knowing that the number of moles, n, is given by: n=m/M, we can rearrange the equation and express the mass: m = nM

The only thing we need to find is the number of moles, which can be found from the ideal gas law:

PV = nRT

n = PV/(RT)

Substituting this into the equation for density gives us the final formula:

rho = MP/(RT) (Note that the volume V cancels out)

Now the only thing left is to substitute in the values and calculate the final answer.

We have:

M = 0.043 kg mol-1

P = 1.6x106 Pa

R = 8.31 J K-1 mol-1

T = 22 C = 295 K (don't forget to change to Kelvin scale for such problems, noting the units for ideal gas constant R)

The final answer is:

rho = 28.1 kg m-3

Answered by Augustinas S. Physics tutor

7829 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

Name an experiment proving that light is wave and one that is proving that light consists of particles.


A yacht is sailing through water that is flowing due west at 2m/s. The velocity of the yacht relative to the water is 6m/s due south. The yacht has a resultant velocity of V m/s on a bearing of theta. Find V and theta


Why is 0°C ice more effective at cooling a drink than 0°C water of the same mass?


What is the definition of a moment?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo
Cookie Preferences