Chemistry Formula
Ideal Gas Law Formula
Relates pressure, volume, amount, and temperature of an ideal gas.
Formula Summary
Ideal Gas Law
Relates pressure, volume, amount, and temperature of an ideal gas.
- Category
- Chemistry
- Equation
- PV = nRT
- Calculator
- Use Ideal Gas Law Calculator →
Equation
PV = nRT
Variables
- P = pressure
- V = volume
- n = moles
- R = gas constant
- T = temperature
How to Use This Formula
- Identify the known values from the problem statement.
- Convert all values into compatible units.
- Substitute the values into the equation and calculate the result.
- Check that the final answer has the correct unit and meaning.
Explanation
The Ideal Gas Law describes the relationship between pressure, volume, temperature, and amount of gas. It is used to predict how an ideal gas behaves under different conditions.
Worked Example
A gas with 1 mole at constant temperature can be analyzed by using pressure, volume, and the gas constant in PV = nRT.
Common Mistakes
- Using temperature in Celsius instead of Kelvin.
- Using inconsistent pressure or volume units.
- Confusing moles with mass of gas.
Applications
- Gas behavior calculations in chemistry.
- Laboratory gas experiments.
- Predicting changes in pressure, volume, or temperature.
Related Formulas
Mole Fraction
Xᵢ = nᵢ ÷ nₜₒₜₐₗ
Finds a component's fraction of the total amount in a mixture.
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