512
Chapter 13
Gases
The following sample study sheet describes calculations that can be done using
Dalton’s Law of Partial Pressures.
Sample Study
T
-
– The problem involves a mixture of gases and no chemical reaction. You are
ip
off
asked to calculate a value for one of the variables in the equations below, and you are
Sheet 13.4
given (directly or indirectly) values for the other variables.
Using Dalton’s
G
S
- T
.
Law of Partial
eneral
TepS
he followinG STepS can be uSed To work TheSe problemS
Pressures
Step 1 Assign variables to the values that are given and the value that is unknown.
Step 2 From the following equations, choose the one that best fits the variables
O
21
bjeCtive
assigned in Step 1.
O
22
bjeCtive
RT
= ΣP
= (Σn
P
or
P
)
total
partial
total
each gas
V
Step 3 Rearrange the equation to solve for your unknown.
Step 4 Plug in the values for the given properties.
Step 5 Make sure that the equation yields the correct units. Make any necessary unit
conversions.
Step 6 Calculate your answer and report it with the correct units and with the correct
significant figures.
e
13.9 - Dalton’s Law of Partial Pressures
xample
A typical 100-watt light bulb contains a mixture of argon gas and nitrogen gas. In a
O
21
bjeCtive
light bulb with a total gas pressure of 111 kPa, enough argon is present to yield a partial
pressure of 102 kPa. What is the partial pressure of the nitrogen gas?
Solution
Step 1 Assign variables.
= 111 kPa
= 102 kPa
= ?
P
P
P
T
Ar
N
2
Step 2 Our variables fit the general equation
= S P
= P
+ P
P
or
P
total
partial
total
Ar
N
2
Steps 3-6 Solve the equation for the unknown variable, plug in the given values,
check the units, and calculate the answer.
= P
- P
= 111 kPa - 102 kPa = 9 kPa
P
N
total
Ar
2