4.9.10

Ideal Gases

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The Kelvin Scale

The Kelvin scale is a temperature scale that is commonly used in science.

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The Kelvin scale

  • The Kelvin scale is an absolute temperature scale defined to have 0 K at the lowest possible temperature, called absolute zero.
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Absolute zero

  • Absolute zero (0 K) is the lowest possible temperature.
  • At absolute zero, there is no temperature.
    • This means that there is no kinetic energy or vibration of molecules.
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Converting from degrees to Kelvin

  • To find degrees from Kelvin, just add 273.15.
    • E.g. 0oC = 273.15 K.
    • E.g. Water boils at 373.15 K.

Ideal Gas Law

The ideal gas law is a good model for the behaviours of large amounts of gas.

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Ideal gas law

  • The ideal gas law can be written as:
    • Pressure x volume = number of moles x ideal gas constant x temperature
    • pV=nRT
      • Where R is the ideal gas constant and has a value of 8.31
  • This equation can be rearranged to solve for any of the terms.
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Boltzmann constant

  • Ideal gas constant x number of moles = Boltzmann constant x number of molecules
    • Rn=kNRn=kN
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Avogadro's number

  • This equation gives the relationship between the ideal gas constant, the Boltzmann constant and Avogadro's number (the number of molecules in a mole):
    • Na=R/kN{_a}=R/k
  • Using the ideal gas law and the above equation, we can now write:
    • pV=NkTpV=NkT

Jump to other topics

1Principles of Science I

1.1Structure & Bonding

1.2Properties of Substances

1.3Cell Structure & Function

1.4Cell Specialisation

1.5Tissue Structure & Function

1.6Working with Waves

1.7Waves in Communication

2Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques

3Science Investigation Skills

4Principles of Science II

4.1Extracting Elements

4.2Relating Properties to use of Substances

4.3Organic Chemistry

4.4Energy Changes in Industry

4.5The Circulatory System

4.6Ventilation & Gas Exchange

4.7Urinary System

4.8Cell Transport

4.9Thermal Physics

4.10Materials

4.11Fluids

5Contemporary Issues in Science

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