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

AS
Answered by Augustinas S. Physics tutor

9085 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

Describe how the strong nuclear force between two nucleons varies with the separation of the nucleons, quoting suitable values for separation.


Calculate the resistance of a uniform wire of diameter 0.5mm, length 2m and resistivity 1.7x10^-8Ωm.


Compare and contrast elastic and inelastic collisions


How do you explain why puddles evaporate on cold days ?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning