What Is This Module About?

How important is the earth’s atmosphere? Well, just think about this: If the earth had
no atmosphere, no life would exist here. The atmosphere absorbs energy from the sun,
helps recycle water and other chemicals and helps provide a moderate climate. It also
protects us from high-energy radiation and from the vacuum of space. If the atmosphere
were to be removed from our planet today, all living things here on earth would die.
What is the atmosphere made of? It is a mixture of gases that consists mainly of
nitrogen and oxygen. Nitrogen, which makes up around 78% of the atmosphere, is
circulated among organisms through the nitrogen cycle. Oxygen, which makes up around
21% of the atmosphere, is the most important gas on earth. You inhale this gas that fuels
many of your body’s metabolic processes. Things can be burned only in the presence of
this gas.
In this module, you will find out all about nitrogen, oxygen and other gases. You will
learn what the properties and behavior of gases are and what factors affect these properties
and behavior.
This module contains three lessons. These are:
Lesson 1 – Properties of Gases
Lesson 2 – Pressure, Volume and Temperature of a Gas
Lesson 3 – More Gas Laws

What Will You Learn From This Module?

After studying this module, you should be able to:

♦ describe the properties of gases and differentiate them from those of solids and
liquids;
♦ explain the properties of gases in terms of the kinetic molecular theory;
♦ use the gas laws in determining the changes in properties of gases; and
♦ appreciate the importance of gases to your life.

Wait!

Before you continue reading this module, make sure that you have already read the
following modules:
♦ Matter 1A and 1B: Forms, Properties and Changes
♦ Chemical Reactions Around Us
♦ Stoichiometry: Accounting in Chemistry

1
 Let’s See What You Already Know

Before you start studying this module, find out first how well you know the topics to
be discussed by taking the following test.
Give what is asked for in each of the following items.
1. Why do gases have no definite shape and volume? Explain in terms of the kinetic
molecular theory.
2. An increase in temperature will bring about a/an ___________ in the kinetic
energy of gaseous molecules.
3. The volume of a gas is ___________ proportional to its temperature at constant
P and n and ___________ proportional to its pressure at constant T and n.
4. What are the five postulates of the kinetic molecular theory?
5. State the following gas laws:
a. Boyle’s law
b. Charles’s law
c. Avogadro’s law
d. Gay-Lussac’s law of combining volumes
e. Dalton’s law of partial pressures
6. A sample of propane gas (C4H10) has a volume of 135 milliliters (mL) at 0.765
atm pressure and 25°C. How many milliliters will it occupy at 1.2 atm and 25°C?
7. What is the molecular weight of a gas if 19.3 grams (g) of the gas occupies a
volume of 3.33 liters (L) at 25°C and 745 mm Hg?
8. A 2.45 L sample of a gas at 285°C and 760 torr is compressed to a volume of
784 mL at 145°C. What is the new pressure of the gas?
9. A 2.4 g sample of HgO was heated. The liberated oxygen was collected over
water at 24°C and 745 mm Hg. What was the volume of the gas collected?
(Water vapor pressure = 21.1 mm Hg)
10. At a certain temperature and pressure, 3.56 g of nitrogen gas has a volume of
4.76 L. What is the volume after 3.98 g of nitrogen is added to the balloon?
Well, how was it? Do you think you fared well? Compare your answers with those
found in the Answer Key on pages 41 to 44.
If all your answers are correct, very good! This shows that you already know much
about the topics in this module. You may still study the module to review what you already
know. Who knows, you might learn a few more new things as well.
If you got a low score, don’t feel bad. This means that this module is for you. It will
help you understand some important concepts that you can apply in your daily life. If you
study this module carefully, you will learn the answers to all the items in the test and a lot
more! Are you ready?
You may go now to the next page to begin Lesson 1.

2
 LESSON 1

Properties of Gases

Look at the picture above. Why can’t the girl hide the jackfruit from her brother? Its
odor guides the boy to its location. Do you see the little boy holding a balloon? What keeps
the balloon up in the air? The odor of the jackfruit and the air inside the balloon are gases.
In this lesson, you will learn the properties of gases that distinguish them from solids and
liquids. Are you ready to learn? Read on!

Let’s Try This

How will you differentiate among gases, solids and liquids? Fill up the following
table.

Gases Liquids Solids

Density
Solubility
Shape and volume
Diffusion
Motion
Particle arrangement
Compressibility

3
 Does your table look like this?
Gases Liquids Solids

Density low high higher

Rate of solution readily soluble slower than gases very slow
Shape and volume no definite shape definite volume but definite volume
and volume no definite shape and shape
Diffusion diffuse easily slower than gases very slow
Motion move very freely move freely move very little
Particle arrangement widely separated not widely closely packed
separated
Compressibility easily compressed difficult to compress extremely difficult
to compress

Let’s Think About This

How will you relate the molecular structure of gases to their properties? For instance,
why is a gas easily compressed but a liquid and a solid are not? What enables gases to
diffuse easily? Why do they have low densities?
Read the following section to find out.

Let’s Learn

What makes gases different from solids and liquids? Gases differ from solids and
liquids in the way their molecules are arranged.
Why are you able to smell a perfume left open? How are you able to tell if the food
you’re cooking is already burned? The gaseous molecules of the perfume and the burned
food have spaces between them that allow the air molecules to mix easily with them. You
then smell them as they move through the air molecules.

4
 How will you compare the molecules of solids and liquids with those of gases? The
molecules of solids are held in a definite arrangement. They move with a fixed vibrating
motion. Liquid molecules, on the other hand, are attached to each other but still move quite
freely. Look at the following diagram to see the differences in the arrangements of the
molecules of the three states of matter.

Solid Liquid

Gas

Why do you feel the wind when it blows? That’s because gas molecules are in
constant motion. They also tend to move rapidly. Have you ever seen how air is pumped
into a bicycle tire or an automobile tire? Tires need to be filled with air in order for
vehicles to move along roads. What happens when tires are pumped with air? When air is
pumped into a tire, the air molecules are forced closer together. The property of gases that
makes it possible for them to be pushed together into a small space is called
compressibility.
You are able to easily mix gases such as oxygen and nitrogen because there is always
room for more molecules. The process in which molecules mingle with one another is
called diffusion. Gases diffuse and any two gases will mix completely when combined.
This is because they are expandable, meaning their molecules spread out to fill the
container. Liquids diffuse much more slowly than gases while solids hardly ever diffuse at
all.

Closed valve Open valve

Gas A Gas B Gases A and B

5
 Because of the large spaces between gas molecules, gases have much lower densities
than liquids and solids. The density of a gas changes when temperature and pressure are
changed.

Let’s Review

Explain the following observations in terms of the properties of gases:

1. Anesthetics used in surgery are usually gas mixtures.
2. A balloon floats in air.
3. You are able to smell food being cooked.
Compare your answers with those found in the Answer Key on page 45.

Let’s Learn

Why do gases diffuse readily? That’s because their molecules are moving very fast.
Why is there pressure inside a tire that enables it to support the weight of a vehicle and
withstand pressure? The pressure inside a tire is maintained by the collision of the air
molecules with the tire walls and the rapid back-and-forth motion of gas particles which
keep the tire walls expanded.
All these explanations of the movements of gas molecules are found in the kinetic
molecular theory. This theory provides a model of moving particles to explain some
properties of matter.
According to the kinetic molecular theory,
♦ Gases are composed of molecules that are widely separated from one another in
otherwise empty space.
♦ Gas molecules move about at high speeds, traveling in straight paths but in
random directions.
♦ The molecules collide with one another, but the collisions are perfectly elastic,
meaning no energy is lost.
♦ The average kinetic energy of gas molecules is proportional to the absolute or
kelvin temperature.
♦ Attraction between gas molecules is negligible.
How does the kinetic molecular theory explain the properties of gases? Let us take up
each postulate of the theory in detail.

6
 Gases are compressible because their molecules are spread apart. Thus, they can be
forced closer together. This is also the reason why the densities of gases are very low
compared to those of solids and liquids.
The motion of gas molecules, on the other hand, accounts for the property of
diffusion. Because of this motion and the relatively great distances between gaseous
particles, molecules move rapidly from one point to another. Furthermore, gases leak
(effuse) from a container through pores. Since the molecules themselves are so small, they
can move through pores that may be invisible even under a microscope.
Molecular motion is also the basis for the expandability of gases. A given weight of
gas fills any size of container uniformly. This just goes to show that the molecules must
move from the point at which they are released until they are distributed throughout the
container.

Gaseous molecules spread out when introduced into a container until

they are distributed throughout the container.

The theory of molecular collision accounts for the differences in the rates at which
gases diffuse and the pressures they exert. As the molecules move, they encounter
obstacles. These obstacles may be other molecules or the walls of their container.
Collisions with the walls give rise to gas pressure.
This theory also dictates that the fewer intervening gas molecules there are in a
container, the fewer collisions will occur and the faster diffusion will take place.

The pictures show how fast diffusion takes place when there are fewer
intervening molecules (upper pictures) than when there are more
intervening molecules (lower pictures).

7
 Let’s Try This

What do you use to measure temperature? You use a thermometer. A thermometer

consists of a glass bulb attached to a fine tube with a numbered scale and contains the
metallic liquid, mercury. The mercury rises and falls as temperature changes.
Would you like to see for yourself how a thermometer works? Learn to make your
own thermometer in the following activity.
You will need the following materials:
tap water
rubbing alcohol
food coloring
clear, narrow-necked plastic bottle (A water bottle will do.)
clear plastic drinking straw
modeling clay
Do the following:
1. Pour equal parts of water and rubbing alcohol into the bottle, filling about one-
eighth to one-fourth of the bottle.
2. Add a few drops of food coloring and mix.
3. Put the straw into the bottle but do not let the straw touch the bottom of the
bottle.
4. Seal the opening of the bottle with the modeling clay in order to hold the straw in
place.

5. Press your hands against the bottle to warm it. Observe what happens to the
mixture in the bottle.

8
 Let’s Learn

What happened when you pressed your hands against the bottle? The liquid moved up
through the straw when you pressed your hands against the bottle. Liquid molecules are
also in motion. Some liquids move faster than others. One of these is alcohol. When the
alcohol in the bottle was warmed, the alcohol molecules moved faster, making the liquid
expand. This is the reason why the liquid moved up the straw.
This is what happens to a thermometer. When the temperature increases, the
molecules of the mercury move more rapidly and the collisions between mercury atoms
become more violent and the volume of the liquid increases (meaning, it expands). We say
that the liquid expands with an increase in temperature. Since the mercury’s increase in
volume causes it to rise in the fine tube, you can measure the temperature by measuring the
height of the mercury in the tube.

What does this explanation of how a thermometer works tell you about temperature
and the motion of molecules? Temperature is a measure of the degree of motion of
molecules. The higher the temperature is, the faster the movements of the molecules. This
also means that the movement of the particles of matter also determines the temperature.
What is kinetic energy? Kinetic energy is the energy of moving matter. The faster the
movement of molecules, the higher is their kinetic energy. How will you relate temperature
with kinetic energy? If temperature increases, what will happen to the kinetic energy of gas
molecules?
An increase in temperature will bring about an increase in kinetic energy of the
molecules.
What is the kelvin temperature referred to in postulate 4 of the kinetic molecular
theory? Temperature is measured in different scales. The most common are the Celsius and
Fahrenheit scales. There is another scale, however, that is used in measuring the
temperatures of gases. This is called the Kelvin scale, where 0 kelvin (K) is called the
absolute temperature. At the absolute temperature (which is equal to –273.15°C), there is
no movement in molecules and therefore their kinetic energy is zero.

9
 The kinetic molecular theory also assumes that there is negligible attraction between
gas molecules. Actually, this does not really hold true for gases in all conditions. At high
pressures and low temperatures, gases tend to deviate from this ideal behavior and
molecular attraction becomes significant. However, at most other times, gases behave the
way an ideal gas does.
The following table is a summary of the properties of gases and how they are
explained by the kinetic molecular theory of gases.
Explanation on the Basis
Property of Gases
of the Kinetic Molecular Theory

No definite shape or volume Since the molecules in a gas are far apart, the force of
(Gases occupy all the space attraction between the gas molecules is very weak.
available.) The molecules are in continuous motion in the entire
space available and their movement is restricted only by
the walls of the container.
High compressibility (By Since the volume of the particles is negligible as
increasing the pressure, the compared to the intermolecular distance, gas
volume of a given mass of gas molecules can be brought closer to each other or
can be compressed to a much compressed.
smaller volume.)

Exert pressure in all directions. The gas molecules, moving with high velocity, hit the walls
(Unlike solids and liquids, gases of the container, thereby exerting pressure on the walls.
exert equal and uniform pressure The pressure is equal, uniform and exerted in all
on the walls of the container.) directions because on an average, the same number of
molecules strike a given area on the wall in a unit time.
Gases have low density. (Unlike The number of molecules per unit volume of a gas is much
solids and liquids, gases have a lower than those of solids and liquids. This is why gases
very low density.) have very low density.

Diffusivity or miscibility (Gases Due to the large intermolecular distance in a gas, the gas
diffuse easily when they are kept in molecules tend to mix easily with other gas molecules.
contact with another gas. They The speed of movement depends on the mass and
combine completely, forming a temperature of the gases.
homogeneous mixture.)

Let’s Review

Explain the compressibility and expandability of a gas in terms of the kinetic

molecular theory. Write your answer in the space below.
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________

Compare your answer with the one in the Answer Key on page 45.

10
 Let’s See What You Have Learned

Give what is asked for in the following:

1. Define compressibility. Differentiate gases, liquids and solids in terms of
compressibility.
2. How are the following characteristics considered in the kinetic molecular theory?
a. attraction between gas particles
b. speed of gas particles
3. What effect does increasing the temperature have on the pressure of a gas?
4. Explain the following in terms of the kinetic molecular theory.
a. Heat is applied to an airtight vaporizer.
b. A gas has low density.
c. A tire becomes warm when air is being pumped into it.
Compare your answers with those found in the Answer Key on page 45. Did you get a
perfect score? If you did, that’s very good! If you did not, don’t worry. Just review the
parts of the lesson that you did not understand very well. Afterward, you may proceed to
Lesson 2.

Let’s Remember

♦ A gas differs from a solid and a liquid in many ways. It is compressible, has very
low density, exerts pressure in all directions and diffuses easily.
♦ The properties of a gas may be explained in terms of the kinetic molecular
theory. According to this theory,
• Gases are composed of molecules that are widely separated from one
another in otherwise empty space.
• Gas molecules move about at high speeds, traveling in straight paths but in
random directions.
• The molecules collide with one another, but the collisions are perfectly
elastic, meaning no energy is lost.
• The average kinetic energy of gas molecules is proportional to the absolute
or kelvin temperature.
• Attraction between gas molecules is negligible.
♦ The properties of gases may be explained in terms of the kinetic molecular
theory.

11
 LESSON 2

Pressure, Volume
and Temperature of a Gas

In Lesson 1, you found out the different properties of gases and the unique physical
behavior of gases that distinguishes them from solids and liquids. This physical behavior of
gases depends on three variables. These are pressure, volume and temperature. You
encountered these terms in Lesson 1. In Lesson 2, you will learn more about these
variables. You will also find out how these variables are related to one another and to the
amount of gas, usually expressed in moles. You will also learn how to compute for changes
in these variables based on Boyle’s law, Charles’s law and Gay-Lussac’s law.

Let’s Try This

What is pressure? Find out in the following activity.

You will need the following materials:
balloon
adhesive tape

Do the following:
1. Inflate the balloon by blowing air into it. Seal it tightly.
2. Place the balloon on top of the table. Secure the balloon with the adhesive tape.
3. Hit the balloon gently with your hand first. Then hit it harder. Did your hand
touch the table?

12
 Let’s Think About This

Answer the following questions:

1. What happened to the balloon when you blew air into it?
2. Did your hand touch the table when you hit the balloon? Based on your
knowledge of the kinetic molecular theory, what do you think the air molecules
inside the balloon did to prevent the balloon from becoming soft?
Compare your answers with those in the Answer Key on page 46.

Let’s Learn

When you inflate a balloon, the air inside the balloon pushes against the balloon and
keeps it firm. This shows that gas molecules exert pressure against their surroundings.
How do you define pressure? Pressure is defined as force acting on a specific area.
Its formula is
force
pressure =
area
The pressure of a gas is the result of a force that is produced when gas particles hit the
walls of a container. There are different units used in measuring the pressure of a gas.
These are atmospheres (atm), millimeters of mercury (mm Hg), centimeters of mercury
(cm Hg) and torr.
I mentioned at the beginning of this module that the atmosphere is made up of gases.
These gases have mass and are pulled by gravity toward the earth where they exert an
atmospheric pressure.
How can you measure atmospheric pressure? Atmospheric pressure is measured by a
device called barometer. It was invented by Evangelista Torricelli (1608–1647), an Italian
scientist. Have you ever seen a barometer?
A Torricellian barometer looks like this:

Vacuum
(no air particles)

Gases of the
atmosphere at 1 atm

Liquid mercury

Torricellian barometer

13
 Toricelli made his barometer by filling a glass tube with liquid mercury and inverting
it in a dish of mercury as shown in the preceding diagram. The weight of the mercury
inside the tube tends to push the mercury out of the tube. However, the pressure of the
atmosphere against the mercury in the dish pushes the mercury up the tube.
Eventually, the mercury inside the tube reaches a level where the weight is equal to
the atmospheric pressure. At a pressure of 1 atmosphere, the mercury column would be 760
mm Hg. This means that the atmospheric pressure is 760 mm Hg, which is the same as a
standard atmosphere.
This pressure can also be expressed as 760 torr, a pressure unit named after Torricelli.
The two units, mm Hg and torr, may be used interchangeably.
The following table shows the units for measuring pressure.

Unit Unit Equivalent to 1 atm

atmosphere 1 atm
millimeters of Hg 760 mm Hg
torr 760 torr
pascal 101325 Pa
inches of Hg 29.9 in. Hg
pounds per square inch 14.7 lb/in2

Let’s Think About This

The atmospheric pressure at sea level is about 1 atm. This pressure may vary from
730 and 760 mm Hg depending on the weather. Atmospheric pressure is also different in
high altitudes. Does atmospheric pressure increase or decrease in high-altitude places?
Why do you say so?
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
Is your answer the same as this?
There is definitely a decrease in atmospheric pressure in high altitudes. This is
because as you go up farther from sea level, there are fewer gas particles in the atmosphere.
This means that there are fewer collisions between gas molecules, thus, they exert a lower
pressure on their surroundings.

14
 Let’s Learn

How will you answer the following problem?

What is the pressure in torr of a gas that has a pressure of 1.5 atm?
Given: pressure of a gas = 1.5 atm
Unknown: pressure of the gas in torr
SOLUTION: This problem can be solved by using the equality 1 atm = 760 torr as the
conversion factor. Let’s write the relation as a ratio:

1 atm 1.5 atm

=
760 torr x torr
Finding x,
(760 torr) (1.5 atm)
x =
1 atm
= 1140 torr

Let’s Solve These Problems

1. A sample of nitrogen gas has a pressure of 743 torr. Give the pressure of nitrogen
in atmospheres.

2. The pressure of a gas is found to be 0.83 atm. Express this in mm Hg.

Compare your answers with those found in the Answer Key on page 46.

15
 Let’s Learn

When we talk about the volume of matter, what are we referring to? The volume of
matter refers to the space it occupies. When we talk about the volume of a gas then, what
are we referring to? The volume of a gas is equal to the volume of its container. Why?
Recall what you found out about gases in Lesson 1. What happens when you put a gas
inside a container? The molecules of the gas spread out until they fill up all the space
inside the container. Therefore, the volume of a gas is equal to the volume of its container.
If you put oxygen in a 20-liter (L) tank, then the volume of the gas is also 20 L.
The pressure of a gas is related to its volume. Let us see how they are related.

Let’s Try This

Would you like to find out what will happen to the volume of a gas when pressure is
increased? Then do the following activity.
You will need a syringe for this activity.
Do the following:

1. Carefully remove the needle from the syringe. Wash and dry the syringe.
2. Raise the plunger of the syringe in order to fill the syringe with air.
3. Notice that there is a numbered scale on the syringe, which indicates the volume
of the air inside it. The number touched by the end of the plunger is the volume
of the air. This will be your initial volume.
4. Cover the tip of the syringe with your thumb as shown in the picture below.

16
 5. With your other hand, push the plunger slightly.

6. Note the volume of the air inside the plunger. This is your final volume.

Let’s Think About This

Answer the following questions based on your observations in the previous activity.
1. Was there a change in the volume of the air inside the syringe? If there was, did
it increase or decrease?
2. What caused this change in the volume of the air?
Compare your answers with those found in the Answer Key on page 46.

Let’s Learn

When you pressed down the plunger of the syringe, the volume of the air inside the
syringe changed. There was a decrease in the volume of the air. Why is this so? When you
pushed down the plunger, you were compressing the gas. Because the gas molecules were
confined in a smaller space, you can see that their volume has decreased. In this smaller
space, what do you think will happen to the pressure exerted by the gas molecules against
their container? There will be more collisions among the molecules, hence, they will be
exerting a greater pressure against the container. Let’s imagine what happened inside the
syringe when you pushed down the plunger.

17
 From this you can conclude that the pressure of a gas is inversely proportional to its
volume. That is, when pressure is increased, volume decreases; when pressure is decreased,
volume increases. This inverse relationship between pressure and volume is known as
Boyle’s law. This law states that the volume V of a sample of gas changes inversely with
the pressure P of the gas as long as the temperature T of the gas and the number of moles
of the gas n remain constant. This means that if the volume of the gas is doubled, the
pressure will be half as great.

Let’s Review

Complete the following statement:

If there is an increase in the pressure of a gas, there will be a/an _______________ in
its volume. If there is a decrease in the pressure, there will be a/an _______________ in its
volume.
Compare your answers with those found in the Answer Key on page 46.

Let’s Learn

How will you express Boyle’s law in mathematical terms? In mathematical terms, the
initial pressure Pi multiplied by the volume Vi of a gas gives a constant value C.
PiVi = C
If the volume or pressure of a gas changes without any change in the temperature and
amount of the gas, the final pressure and volume will also be equal to the same constant.
PfVf = C
Hence, you can conclude that
PiVi = PfVf (at constant T and n)

Let’s Think About This

Do you know how an automobile engine works? How about a respirator? A water
pump? All these things work on the principle of Boyle’s law. Can you explain how? Read
the following section to find out.

18
 Let’s Learn

Look at the following diagram below.

Spark plug

Exhaust port

Piston Intake and exhaust valves

Do you know how an automobile engine makes the automobile start? During the
compression stroke inside the cylinder of an engine, the upward motion of the piston
reduces the volume of the gas and the pressure increases. When the compressed gas is
ignited and explodes, the resulting high pressure pushes the piston down. As the piston
moves down, the volume of the gas increases and the pressure decreases. It is this
downward motion of the piston that provides power to the wheels of a car.
Look at the picture below.

Do you know what the object shown in the picture is? It is called an iron lung, a
device used for aiding in the breathing of patients in a hospital. The iron lung operates on
the basis of Boyle’s law. A slight increase in the volume of the iron lung reduces the
pressure. As a consequence, the air in the patient’s lungs pushes out against this lower
pressure. This enables the patient to exhale. When the volume of the iron lung decreases,
the pressure increases, forcing air into the patient’s lungs.

19
 You used a syringe in “Let’s Try This” on pages 16 and 17. A syringe is used in
injecting liquid drugs into a patient’s veins. When the plunger is drawn back, the increase
in the volume of the liquid inside the syringe creates a low pressure that draws the liquid
from the vial into the syringe.
The same thing happens when you suck a liquid up a straw. In this case you use your
lungs as the chamber that increases in volume. A water pump also works the same way by
increasing the volume, thus causing the water under normal atmospheric pressure in the
well to flow into the pipe.

Let’s Think About This

Using Boyle’s law, explain why bubbles expand as they rise in the air. Write your
answer in the space below.
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
Compare your answer with the one in the Answer Key on page 46.

20
 Let’s Learn

Consider the following problem:

A sample of hydrogen gas has a volume of 34 L at a pressure of 750 mm Hg. What
will be the volume of the gas if the pressure is increased to 760 mm Hg?
How will you answer the problem?
First, let’s identify the given:
Given: Vi = 34 L
Pi = 750 mm Hg
Pf = 760 mm Hg
Unknown: Vf
From the given values, you may assume that Vf will be less than Vi because there
was an increase in pressure, from 750 mm Hg to 760 mm Hg.
SOLUTION:

From the formula

PiVi = PfVf
you get

Pi Vi
Vf =
Pf

Substituting the given values,

(750 mm Hg) (34 L)

Vf =
(760 mm Hg)

= 33.5 L
Just as expected, the final volume is lower than the initial volume because of the
increase in pressure.
That was quite easy, wasn’t it? You just have to analyze which of the values in the
problem are the Vi, Vf, Pi and Pf as well as whether there will be an increase or a decrease in
the unknown.

21
 Let’s Solve This Problem

Solve the following problem using the space below.

156 milliliters (mL) of a gas measured at 480 torr is allowed to expand to a volume of
250 mL. Calculate the final pressure in torr.

Compare your answer with the one in the Answer Key on page 47.

Let’s Learn

How are the volume and temperature of a gas related? Do you think they have the
same relationship with volume and pressure?
Recall the kinetic molecular theory. What does it say about the relationship between
temperature and the kinetic energy of molecules? According to the kinetic molecular
theory, when the temperature is increased, the kinetic energy of the gas will also increase.
To keep the pressure constant, the volume must also increase.
So, are volume and temperature inversely proportional? No, they are not. They are
directly proportional to each other. When temperature increases, volume increases and
when temperature decreases, the volume decreases as well.
This relationship is known as Charles’s law, which states that the kelvin temperature
and the volume of a gas are directly proportional when there is no change in pressure or
amount of gas. Kelvin temperature is equal to the temperature in degrees Celsius plus 273.
K = °C + 273
For example, if the temperature is 0°C, the kelvin temperature is 0 + 273 = 273 K.

22
 Let’s Review

Complete the following statement.

The volume of a gas ______________ when its temperature increases and
______________ when its temperature decreases.
Compare your answers with those found in the Answer Key on page 47.

Let’s Learn

Expressing Charles’s law in mathematical terms, we say that the ratio of volume to
temperature is constant:
V
= C
T
Therefore, we can state mathematically that:
Vi V
= f
Ti Tf
Consider the following problem:
A sample of argon gas with a volume of 14.5 mL has a temperature of 35°C. What
will be the volume of the gas if it is cooled to a temperature of 20°C?
Given: Vi = 14.5 mL
Ti = 35°C + 273 = 308 K
Tf = 20°C + 273 = 293 K
Unknown: Vf
Notice that there was a decrease in temperature. Therefore, the final volume
should be lower than the initial volume.
SOLUTION:

Using the equation

Vi V
= f
Ti Tf
you get

ViT f
Vf =
Ti

(14.5 mL) (293 K)

=
308 K
= 13.8 mL

23
 Let’s Solve This Problem

Answer the following problem.

A sample of gas is heated from 18°C to 25°C. If the volume of the heated gas is 56.9
L, what was its initial volume?

Compare your answer with the one in the Answer Key on page 47.

Let’s Learn

You have already studied the relationship between volume and pressure and that
between volume and temperature. How about temperature and pressure, how are they
related to each other?
The relationship between temperature and pressure is expressed in Gay-Lussac’s law,
which states that the pressure of a gas is directly related to its temperature as long as the
volume and number of moles of the gas are kept constant.
This means that if the temperature increases, the pressure also increases and if the
temperature decreases, the temperature will decrease as well.
This law can be stated mathematically by the following equation:

Pi P
= f
Ti Pf

24
 Let’s Review

Complete the following statement:

The pressure of a gas increases when the temperature _____________ and decreases
when the temperature _____________.
Compare your answers with those found in the Answer Key on page 47.

Let’s Learn

Have you ever read the label of a spray can? If you have, then you must have seen that
the aerosol can must be stored below a specific temperature, usually around 50°C. Do you
know why? That’s because spray cans contain a certain internal pressure. If this pressure is
exceeded, the cans will burst or explode. Since increasing the temperature of the gas inside
the can will increase the pressure inside the can, the temperature at which the can is kept
should be also kept at a minimum.
Consider the following problem:
A can of insecticide with a pressure of 3.5 atm at 28°C was accidentally thrown into a
fire. If the temperature of the gas inside the can reaches 450°C, what will be the pressure?
Would the can explode if the maximum safe pressure is 7.0 atm?
Identify the given values first. Make sure that you change the temperatures given in
degrees Celsius to kelvin.
Given: Pi = 3.5 atm
Ti = 28°C + 273 = 301 K
Tf = 450°C + 273 = 723 K
Identify what is asked for.
Unknown: Pf
Since there was an increase in temperature, you can expect an increase in pressure as
well.
SOLUTION:

Using the formula

Pi P
= f
Ti Pf

you get

PiT f
Pf =
Ti

25
 (3.5 atm) (723 K)
=
301 K
= 8.4 atm

Since the final pressure exceeds the maximum safe pressure of 7.0 atm, you can
expect that the spray can will explode.
This is the reason why it is not safe to dispose of used spray cans by burning them.

Let’s Solve This Problem

At high altitudes, the atmospheric pressure is much lower. This makes it difficult to
cook meat because the reduced atmospheric pressure leads to a lower boiling temperature.
Because of this, the pressure cooker was invented. A pressure cooker is a sealed metal
container in which, when heated with constant volume and a constant amount of gas, the
pressure increases. The resulting increase in pressure inside the pressure cooker leads to a
boiling point high enough to soften meat and other food.

Valve support Safety valve

Cover Safety plug

Cover handle
Side handle

Body handle

Body

If a pressure with an initial temperature of 20°C can increase the pressure from .8 atm
to 1 atm, what will be the maximum temperature inside the cooker?

Compare your answer with the one in the Answer Key on pages 47 and 48.

26
 Let’s Learn

The three gas laws may be combined to give

PiVi PV
= f f
Ti Tf

This combined gas law enables you to compute directly changes in volume, pressure
or temperature.
Consider the following problem:
A 3.0 L sample of SO2 has a pressure of 5.00 atm and a temperature of 29°C. What is
the pressure when the volume is increased to 15.00 L and the temperature is increased to
310°C with no change in the number of moles of gas?
First, identify the given.
Given : Vi = 3.0 L
Pi = 5.00 atm
Ti = 29°C + 273 = 302 K
Vf = 15.00 L
Tf = 310°C + 273 = 483 K
Unknown: Pf
SOLUTION:

Using the formula

PiVi PV
= f f
Ti Tf
you get
PiViT f
Pf =
TiV f

(500 atm) (3.0 L) (483 K)

=
(302 K ) (15.00 L)
= 1.6 atm

27
 Let’s Solve This Problem

Compute what is asked for in the following problem.

A gas measures 7 mL at 25°C and 760 torr. What will be the volume of the gas at
15°C and 750 mm Hg?

Compare your answer with the one in the Answer Key on page 48.

Let’s See What You Have Learned

Solve the following problems:

1. A sample of nitrogen occupies 87.0 mL at 35°C and 1.1 atm. What will be its
volume at 50°C and 4.00 atm?
2. Correct the following volumes of gases for the temperature changes indicated
(assuming that P and n are constant).
a. 503 mL at 289 K to 90°C
b. 66 L at 56°C to 78°C
c. 98 L at 34°C to 20°C
3. Correct the following pressures of gases for the volume changes at constant
temperature and temperature changes at constant volume, as indicated.
a. 356 mm Hg at 765 K to 876 K
b. 2 atm at 78 mL to 67 mL
c. 890 torr at 15 L to 36 L
d. 3.9 atm at 345 K to 19°C
e. 631 torr at 310 K to 273 K
Compare your answers with those found in the Answer Key on pages 48 to 50. Did
you get a perfect score? If you did, that’s very good! If you did not, don’t worry. Just
review the parts of the lesson that you did not understand very well. Afterward, you may
proceed to Lesson 3.

28
Let’s Remember

♦ Boyle’s law states that the volume of a gas is inversely related to its pressure as
long as temperature and the amount of gas are kept constant. The formula for this
law is
PiVi = PfVf
♦ Charles’s law states that the volume of a gas is directly related to its temperature
as long as pressure and the amount of gas are constant. The formula for this is

Vi V
= f
Ti Tf

♦ Gay-Lussac’s law states that if the volume and amount of a gas are kept constant,
the pressure of the gas is directly related to its temperature. The formula for this
is:

Pi P
= f
Ti Tf

♦ The gas laws can be combined to give the following equation:

PiVi PV
= f f
Ti Tf

This is known as the combined gas law.

29
 LESSON 3

More Gas Laws

In Lesson 2, you found out how the volume, pressure and temperature of a gas are
related to one another. In this lesson, you will find out how these properties change when
there is a change in the number of moles or grams of a gas. You will also find out how to
find the pressure a gas exerts if it is in a mixture with other gases. You will also learn how
to compute for the changes in the properties of gases using the ideal gas equation. Are you
ready to learn more? Read on!

Let’s Try This

Inflate a balloon by blowing a little amount of air into it. Blow more air into the
balloon. What do you notice about the size of the balloon? As you blow more air into the
balloon, what happens to its size?

Let’s Think About This

How will you relate the amount of gas to its volume? See if your answer is correct by
reading the following section.

30
 Let’s Learn

According to Avogadro’s law, the volume of a gas is directly related to the number of
moles n of the gas when the temperature and pressure are not changed. If you recall, a mole
of any substance always contains 6.023 × 1023 particles of that substance. Avogadro’s law
dictates that any increase in the number of moles of a gas will lead to a corresponding
increase in the volume of the gas.
Putting this in an equation, you get:

Vi V
= f
ni nf

Consider the following problem:

An elastic container with 4.0 moles of nitrogen gas has a volume of 256 mL. What is
the new volume of the elastic container after 2 more moles of nitrogen are added to the
container at the same temperature and pressure?
Given: ni = 4.0 moles
Vi = 256 mL
nf = 4.0 moles + 2.0 moles = 6.0 moles
Unknown: Vf
SOLUTION: Using Avogadro’s law,

Vi V
= f
ni nf

you get

Vi n f
Vf =
ni

(256 mL) (6.0 moles)

=
4.0 moles
= 384 mL

As you can see, there is an increase in the number of moles, and so it follows that
there is also an increase in the volume of the gas.

31
 Let’s Solve This Problem

At a certain temperature and pressure, a balloon containing 8.0 moles of oxygen has a
volume of 25 L. What is the volume after 5.0 moles of oxygen is added to the balloon?

Compare your answer with the one found in the Answer Key on page 50.

Let’s Learn

Imagine that you have three containers, each filled with one mole of a different gas.
Let’s say that container 1 has one mole of oxygen, container 2 has one mole of nitrogen
and container 3 has one mole of chlorine gas. At standard temperature and pressure (STP)
conditions (1 atm and 273 K), the three gases have identical volumes of 22.4 L. The
volume of one mole of a gas is called the molar volume of the gas.
Consider the following problem:
What is the volume of 35.0 g of carbon dioxide at STP?
Given: m = 35.0 g
Unknown: V
SOLUTION: You know that the number of moles of a substance is equal to the mass of
the substance divided by its molar mass or molecular weight. By consulting the
periodic table in the Appendix on page 58, you will see the atomic masses of carbon
and oxygen. The molar mass of carbon dioxide is:

C 12 × 1 = 12
O 16 × 2 = 32
44 grams/mole

Thus, the number of moles n of 35.0 g of carbon dioxide is:

35.0 g
n = = .80 mole
44 g/mole

32
 You know that 1 mole of any gas has a volume of 22.4 L. To determine the volume of
.80 mole of carbon dioxide, we will express the mole-volume relations as ratios and equate
the two ratios.
At STP, 1 mole of carbon dioxide = 22.4 L
.80 mole of carbon dioxide = V

1 mole .80 mole

=
22.4 L V

(.80 mole) (22.4 L)

V =
1 mole

Let’s Review

Calculate the volume of each of the following gases at STP given the mass of the gas.
1. 28 g of nitrogen
2. 56 g of oxygen
3. 11 g of fluorine
4. 75 g of hydrogen
5. 47 g of helium
Compare your answers with those found in the Answer Key on pages 50 to 52.

Let’s Learn

In 1808, Gay-Lussac discovered the relationship between the volumes of gases and
the numerical ratios of reacting gases and their products. His discovery led to the
formulation of Gay-Lussac’s law of combining volumes of gases, which states that in any
chemical reaction involving gaseous substances, the volumes of the reactants and products
are in ratios of small whole numbers.
Consider the following reaction between hydrogen and oxygen to produce water
vapor:
2H2 + O2 2H2O
2 moles 1 mole 2 moles
2(22.4 L) at STP 22.4 L at STP 2(22.4 L) at STP
2L 1L 2L
10 L 5L 10 L

33
 2 KClO 3 → 2Kl + 3 O 2
∇

Let’s now discuss another gas law. Look at the diagram above. It shows a method for
collecting gas. This method is called water displacement. In the water displacement
method, the collected gas displaces the water inside an inverted container. The gas that is
collected through this method is “wet.” Aside from the gas collected, there is also water
vapor inside the container. Each of the two gases exerts a partial pressure on the container.
The total pressure exerted by the mixture on the container is equal to the sum of the partial
pressures of the gases present. This is known as Dalton’s law of partial pressures. In
equation form,
PT = P1 + P2 + P3 . . .
where
PT = total pressure
P1 = partial pressure of gas 1
P2 = partial pressure of gas 2
P3 = partial pressure of gas 3
If the water level inside the container is the same as the water level outside the
container, then the total pressure is equal to the atmospheric pressure. You may use this
concept in finding the partial pressure of a gas in a mixture of gases.
Consider the following problem:
Hydogen gas occupies 345 mL at a temperature of 20°C and a pressure of 760 mm
Hg. What volume will the gas occupy if it were collected over 30°C and 745 mm Hg?
(Water vapor pressure at 30°C = 31.8 mm Hg)
Given: Pi = 760 mm Hg
Vi = 345 mL
Ti = 20°C + 273 K = 293 K
Pf = 745 mm Hg – 31.8 mm Hg = 713.2 mm Hg
Tf = 30°C + 273 K = 303 K
Unknown: Vf
SOLUTION: You may use the combined gas law in order to find Vf.

PiVi PV
= f f
Ti Tf

34
 PiViT f
Vf =
Pf Ti

(760 mm Hg) (345 mL) (303 K)

=
(713.2 mm Hg) (293 K)
= 380.2 mL

You now know the different gas laws. Let us recall three of them:
1
Boyle’s law: V∝ (at constant n and T)
P
Charles’s law: V ∝ T (at constant n and P)
Avogadro’s law: V ∝ n (at constant P and T)
What will happen if you combine these three gas laws? You will get

nT
V∝
P
Replacing the sign of proportionality with the equation sign,

nRT
V = or PV = nRT
P
where
V = volume in liters
P = pressure in atmospheres
n = moles
T = temperature in kelvin
L ⋅ atm
R = proportionality constant = 0.0821
mol ⋅ K
How was the value of R obtained? It was computed from the following:

PV
R =
nT

(1 atm) (22.4 L)
=
(1 mole) (273 K)
L ⋅ atm
= 0.0821
mol ⋅ K

The equation PV = nRT is called the ideal gas equation. This equation relates the
volume, pressure, amount and temperature of an ideal gas. Let’s use this equation in
solving problems involving gases.

35
Consider the following problem:
What is the pressure exerted by 0.87 mole of a gas in a 10.0-liter container at 24°C?
Given: n = 0.87 mole
V = 10.0 L
T = 24°C + 273 = 297 K
Unknown: P
SOLUTION:

PV = nRT

nRT
P =
V
L ⋅ atm
(0.87 mole) 0.0821 (297 K)
= mol ⋅ K
10.0 L
= 2.12 atm

Let’s Solve These Problems

Solve the following problems using the ideal gas equation.

1. What is the molecular mass of a gas if 3.4 g of the gas occupies a volume of 2.8
L at 30°C and .985 atm?

36
2 A 1.5 g sample of KClO3 was heated. The liberated oxygen was collected over
water at 23°C and 750 mm Hg. What was the volume of the gas collected?
(Water vapor pressure = 21.1 mm Hg)

Compare your answers with those found in the Answer Key on pages 52 and 53.

Let’s See What You Have Learned

Solve the following problems:

1. A steel cylinder contains a mixture of nitrogen gas at 410 torr, oxygen gas at 532
torr and helium gas at 145 torr. What is the total pressure of the gas mixture?
2. At a certain temperature and pressure, a balloon with 10.0 g of helium has a
volume of 8.00 L. What is the volume after 4.00 g of helium is added to the
balloon?
3. Find the pressure exerted by 7.6 moles of gas occupying a volume of 23.0 L at
23°C.
4. What is the volume of 34.0 g of H2 at STP?
5. What is the density of nitrogen gas (a) at STP? (b) 28°C and 745 mm Hg?
Compare your answers with those found in the Answer Key on pages 54 and 55.

37
 Let’s Remember

♦ According to Avogadro’s law, the volume of a gas is directly related to the

number of moles of a gas when the temperature and pressure are not changed.
Mathematically, this law is stated as: Vi V
= f
ni nf
♦ The molar volume of a gas is the volume of 1 mole of a gas. At STP, 1 mole of a
gas has a volume of 22.4 L.
♦ Gay-Lussac’s law of combining volumes states that in any chemical reaction
involving gaseous substances, the volumes of the reactants and products are in
ratios of small whole numbers.
♦ According to Dalton’s law of partial pressures, the total pressure exerted by a
mixture of gases is equal to the sum of the partial pressures of the gases present
in the mixture. In equation form, PT = P1 + P2 + P3 . . .
♦ The ideal gas equation is PV = nRT.
You have now reached the end of the module. Congratulations! Did you enjoy
studying this module? Did you learn a lot from it? The following is a summary of its main
points to help you remember them better.

Let’s Sum Up

This module tells us that:

♦ Gases are different from solids and liquids in that they are readily compressible,
diffuse easily, are expandable and have low densities.
♦ All these properties of gases can be explained by the kinetic molecular theory.
♦ From the properties of gases, gas laws have been derived. These are:
• Boyle’s law: PiVi = PfVf
Pi Vf
• Charles’s law: T = T
i f

Pi Pf
• Gay-Lussac’s law: T = T
i f

PiVi PV
• Combined gas law: = f f
Ti Tf

Vi Vf
• Avogadro’s law: n = n
i f

• Dalton’s law: PT = P1 + P2 + P3 . . .
• Ideal gas law: PV = nRT

38
 What Have You Learned?

A. Encircle the letter of the correct answer.

1. If the pressure of one mole of gas remains constant, increasing the
temperature will make the volume _________.
a. increase
b. decrease
c. increase then decrease
d. decrease then increase
2. Which one of the following does not signify normal atmospheric pressure?
a. 1 atm
b. 760 torr
c. 760 mm Hg
d. 2 atm
3. Which of the following is not a basic assumption of the kinetic molecular
theory?
a. Gases consist of molecules in constant motion in straight-line paths.
b. The temperature of a gas is proportional to the average kinetic energy
of the molecules.
c. The collisions between the gas molecules and the walls of the container
are perfectly elastic.
d. Since the collisions of molecules are perfectly elastic, there is a strong
attractive force between molecules in the gaseous state.
4. Why does the pressure build up in a tire on a hot day? (Assume that the
volume is constant.)
a. As temperature increases, kinetic energy decreases.
b. As temperature increases, kinetic energy increases.
c. As temperature increases, pressure also increases.
d. Both b and c.
5. What happens to the volume of a confined gas if its pressure is doubled and
its temperature remains constant?
a. Volume will increase.
b. Volume will decrease.
c. Volume will remain the same.
d. All of the above.
B. Solve the following problems.
1. A 2 L sample of helium at 400°C and 560 torr is compressed to a volume of
1.8 L at 200°C. What is the new pressure of the gas?
2. A gas sample has a pressure of 987 torr at 200°C. What is the final pressure
of the gas after the temperature has dropped to 4°C with n and V constant?

39
 3. In a storage area where the temperature has reached 48°C, the pressure of
hydrogen gas in a 25 L steel cylinder is 897 torr. To what temperature
should the gas be cooled in order to reduce the pressure to 750 torr?
4. A fire extinguisher has a pressure of 145 lb/in2 at 30°C. What is the pressure
in atmospheres if the fire extinguisher is used at a temperature of 80°C?
5. A 3.5 L sample of N2 has a pressure of 2.3 atm and a temperature of 25°C.
What is the pressure when the volume of the sample is increased to 6.5 L
and temperature is increased to 140°C with no change in moles of gas?
Compare your answers with those found in the Answer Key on pages 56 and 57. If you
got a score of:
8–10 Congratulations! You learned a lot from this module. You are now ready to
move on to the next module.
4–7 Good. Just review the parts of the module that you did not understand well.
0–3 You should study the whole module again.

40
 Answer Key

A. Let’s See What You Already Know (page 2)

1. Gases have no definite shape and volume because their particles are far
apart and have weak forces of attraction. The molecules are in continuous
motion in the entire space available and their movement is restricted only by
the walls of the container.
2. increase
3. directly; inversely
4. The five postulates of the kinetic molecular theory are:
a. Gases are composed of molecules that are widely separated from one
another in otherwise empty space.
b. Gas molecules move about at high speeds, traveling in straight paths
but in random directions.
c. The molecules collide with one another but the collisions are perfectly
elastic, meaning no energy is lost.
d. The average kinetic energy of gas molecules is proportional to the
absolute or kelvin temperature.
e. Attraction between gas molecules is negligible.
5. a. According to Boyle’s law, the volume of a gas is inversely
proportional to its pressure, as long as temperature and the amount of
gas are kept constant.
b. According to Charles’s law, the volume of a gas is directly
proportional to the temperature, as long as pressure and the amount of
gas are kept constant.
c. According to Avogadro’s law, the volume of a gas increases when the
number of moles of the gas increases, as long as temperature and
pressure are kept constant.
d. Gay-Lussac’s law of combining volumes states that when gaseous
substances react, the volumes of the reactants and the products are in
ratios of small whole numbers.
e. Dalton’s law of partial pressures states that the total pressure exerted
by a mixture of gases is equal to the sum of the partial pressures of the
gases present in the mixture.
6. Given: Vi = 135 mL
Pi = .765 atm
Ti = Tf = 25°C
Pf = 1.2 atm
Unknown: Vf

41
 SOLUTION: Since the temperature is constant, the gas is expected to follow
Boyle’s law. Using the formula
PiVi = PfVf
you get

PiVi
Vf =
Pf

(.765 atm) (135 mL)

=
1.2 atm
= 86.1 mL

7. Given: g = 19.3 g
V = 3.33 L
T = 25°C + 273 = 298 K

1 atm
P = 745 mm Hg × = .98 atm
760 mm Hg

Unknown: MW
SOLUTION: We can use the ideal gas equation to solve this problem. The
equation states that
PV = nRT
The number of moles of a substance is equal to the mass of the
substance divided by its molecular weight or molar mass. This can be
expressed as

g
n =
MW
We can insert this into the ideal gas equation. Thus,

g
PV = RT
MW
Transposing variables to find the molecular weight, you get

gRT
MW =
PV
L ⋅ atm
(19.3 g) (0.0821 ) (298 K)
= mol ⋅ K
(.98 atm) (3.33 L)
= 144.7 g/mol

42
8. Given: Vi = 2.45 L
Ti = 285°C + 273 = 558 K
Pi = 760 torr
1L
V f = 784 mL ×
1000 mL
= .784 L
Tf = 145°C + 273 = 418 K
Unknown: Pf
SOLUTION: You can use the combined gas law to solve this problem. Using
the formula

PiVi PV
= f f
Ti Tf

you get

PiViT f
Pf =
V f Ti

(760 torr) (2.45 L) (558 K)

=
(.784 L) (418 K)
= 3170.45 torr

9. Given: g = 2.4 g
T = 24°C + 273 = 297 K
P = 745 mm Hg – 21.1 mm Hg = 723.9 mm Hg
1 atm
= 723.9 mm Hg × = 0.95 atm
760 mm Hg

Unknown: V
SOLUTION: Find first the moles of oxygen liberated when 2.4 g of HgO was
heated. Consult the periodic table in the Appendix on page 58 to determine
the atomic weights of the atoms.
2.4 g ∆
2HgO 2Hg + O2
2 moles 1 mole
216.1 g/mol x

2.4 g
mole HgO = = .011 mole
216.1 g/mol
. 011 mole HgO x mole O 2
=
2 moles HgO 1 mole O 2

43
 (0.011 mole HgO) (1 mole O2 )
x =
2 moles HgO
= 0.0055 mole O2
You may now use the ideal gas equation to solve for the volume of O 2 .

PV = nRT
nRT
V =
P
L ⋅ atm
(0.0055 mole) (0.0821 ) (287 K)
= mol ⋅ K
.95 atm
= .136 L

10. Given: gi N 2 = 3.56 g

Vi = 4.76 L
gf N 2 = 3.56 g + 3.98 g = 7.54 g N 2

Unknown: Vf

SOLUTION: First, you have to find n i and n f. The number of moles of N 2 is

equal to its weight divided by its molecular weight or molar mass.
Consulting the periodic table, you can see that the atomic mass of N is 14.0
therefore, the molecular weight of N 2 is 14.0 × 2 = 28.0 g/mol.

gi 3.56 g
ni = = = 0.13 mole
MW 28.0 g/mol

gf 7.54 g
nf = = = 0.27 mole
MW 28.0 g/mol

Using the formula for Avogadro’s law,

Vi V
= f
ni nf

you can get the final volume:

Vi n f (4.76 L) (0.27 mole)

Vf = = = 9.89 L
ni 0.13 mole

44
B. Lesson 1
Let’s Review (page 6)
1. Anesthetics used in surgery are usually gas mixtures because gases diffuse
readily. Any two gases will mix completely when combined.
2. A balloon floats in air because the gas inside the balloon has a very low
density that it is light enough to float in the air.
3. You are able to smell food being cooked because the molecules of the gas
from the food have spaces between them that allow air molecules to mingle
with them easily.
Let’s Review (page 10)
A gas is highly compressible because the gas molecules are very far apart
and can thus be brought closer to each other through the application of pressure.
It is expandable because the gas molecules are moving constantly and rapidly.
They are able to fill any size of container uniformly because they move in such a
way that they are distributed throughout the container.
Let’s See What You Have Learned (page 11)
1. Compressibility is the property of a material that makes it possible for its
particles to be pushed together into a small space. Liquids and solids can be
compressed only under high pressures because their molecules are already
touching one another. Gases, on the other hand, are easily compressed
because their molecules are far apart.
2. a. The kinetic molecular theory assumes that there is no attraction
between the particles of a gas.
b. The speed of gas particles is high because they are moving rapidly.
3. Increasing the temperature will cause an increase in the pressure of the gas.
This is because the increase in temperature brings about a higher kinetic
energy in the gas particles, causing them to move faster and collide more
frequently against the walls of the container.
4. a. Heat is applied to an airtight vaporizer because the increase in the
temperature will cause an increase in the kinetic energy of the air
molecules. This increase in kinetic energy causes the air molecules to
move faster and exert greater pressure against the container, pushing
the cap off the container.
b. Gases are spread apart inside their container. If you take a unit volume
of a gas inside a container, this unit volume will contain only a small
number of gas molecules. Hence, gases have a very low density
compared to solids and liquids.
c. Pumping air into a tire increases the number of air molecules inside the
tire. The increase in the number of air molecules will result in more
collisions between the molecules. This in turn causes an increase in the
kinetic energy of the molecules and an increase in kinetic energy
brings about an increase in temperature.

45
C. Lesson 2
Let’s Think About This (page 13)
1. The balloon grew bigger when air was blown into it.
2. No, my hand did not touch the table when I hit the balloon. The air
molecules inside the balloon exerted pressure against the balloon by
colliding with each other and with the walls of the balloon.
Let’s Solve These Problems (page 15)
1. Given: P = 743 torr
Unknown: P in atm
SOLUTION: 1 atm = 760 torr
Therefore, we can find P in atm by using the following formula:

1 atm
P in atm = 743 torr ×
760 torr
= 0.098 atm
2. Given: P = 0.83 atm
Unknown: P in mm Hg
SOLUTION: 1 atm = 760 mm Hg
Therefore,

760 mm Hg
P in mm Hg = 0.83 atm ×
1 atm
= 630.8 mm Hg
Let’s Think About This (page 17)
1. Yes, there was a change in the volume of the air inside the syringe. The
volume decreased when the plunger was pushed.
2. The volume decreased because there was an increase in the pressure on the
air inside the syringe when the plunger was pushed.
Let’s Review (page 18)
decrease; increase
Let’s Think About This (page 20)
Bubbles expand as they rise in the air because the atmospheric pressure is
lower the higher one goes up in the air. When the pressure is lower, the volume
increases, hence the bubbles expand.

46
Let’s Solve This Problem (page 22)
Given: Vi = 156 mL
Pi = 480 torr
Vf = 250 mL
Unknown: Pf
SOLUTION: According to Boyle’s law,
PiVi = PfVf

PiVi
Pf =
Vf

(480 torr) (156 mL)

=
250 mL
= 300 torr

Let’s Review (page 23)

increases; decreases
Let’s Solve This Problem (page 24)
Given: Ti = 18°C + 273 = 291 K
Tf = 25°C + 273 = 298 K
Vf = 56.9 L
Unknown: Vi
SOLUTION: According to Charles’s law,
Vi V
= f
Ti Tf

V f Ti (56.9 L) (291 K)
Vi = = = 55.6 L
Tf 298 K

Let’s Review (page 25)

increases; decreases
Let’s Solve This Problem (page 26)
Given: Ti = 20°C + 273 = 293 K
Pi = .8 atm
Pf = 1 atm
Unknown: Tf
SOLUTION: According to Gay-Lussac’s law,
Pi P
= f
Ti Tf

47
Therefore,
Pf Ti
Tf =
Pi

(1 atm) (293 K)
=
.8 atm
= 366.2 K

Let’s Solve This Problem (page 27)

Given: Vi = 7 mL
Ti = 25°C + 273 = 298 K
Pi = 760 torr = 760 mm Hg
Tf = 15°C + 273 = 288 K
Pf = 750 mm Hg
Unknown: Vf
SOLUTION: Using the combined gas law,

PiVi PV
= f f
Ti Tf

PiViT f
Vf =
Pf Ti

(760 mm Hg) (7 mL) (298 K)

=
(750 mm Hg) (288 K)
= 7.3 mL

Let’s See What You Have Learned (page 28)

1. Given: Vi = 87.0 mL
Ti = 35°C + 273 = 308 K
Pi = 1.1 atm
Tf = 50°C + 273 = 323 K
Pf = 4.00 atm
Unknown: Vf
SOLUTION: You may use the combined gas law to solve this problem.

PiVi PV
= f f
Ti Tf

PiViT f
Vf =
Pf Ti

48
 (1.1 atm) (87.0 mL) (308 K)
=
(4.00 atm) (323 K)
= 22.8 mL

2. a. Given: Vi = 503 mL; Ti = 289 K; Tf = 90°C + 273 = 363 K

Unknown: Vf
SOLUTION: Using Charles’s law,

ViT f (503 mL) (363 K)

Vf = = = 631.8 mL
Ti (323 K)

b. Given: Vi = 66 L; Ti = 56°C + 273 = 329 K; Tf = 78°C + 273 = 351 K

Unknown: Vf

ViT f (66 L) (351 K)

SOLUTION: V f = = = 70.4 L
Ti 329 K

c. Given: Vi = 98 L; Ti = 34°C + 273 = 307 K;

Tf = 20°C + 273 = 293 K
Unknown: Vf

ViT f (98 L) (307 K)

SOLUTION: V f = = = 102.7 L
Ti 293 K

3. a. Given: Pi = 356 mm Hg; Ti = 765 K; Tf = 876 K

Unknown: Pf
SOLUTION: Using Gay-Lussac’s law,

Pi P
= f
Ti Tf

PiT f (356 mm Hg) (876 K)

Pf = = = 498 mm Hg
Vf 765 K

b. Given: Pi = 2 atm; Vi = 78 mL; Vf = 67 mL

Unknown: Pf
SOLUTION: Using Boyle’s law,
PiVi = PfVf

PiVi (2 atm) (78 mL)

Pf = = = 2.3 atm
Vf 67 mL

49
 c. Given: Pi = 890 torr; Vi = 15 L; Vf = 36 L
Unknown: Pf

PiVi (890 torr) (15 L)

SOLUTION: Pf = = = 371 torr
Vf 36 L

d. Given: Pi = 3.9 atm; Ti = 345 K; Tf = 19°C + 273 = 292 K

Unknown: Pf

PiT f (3.9 atm) (345 K)

SOLUTION: Pf = = = 4.6 atm
Ti 292 K

e. Given: Pi = 631 torr; Ti = 310 K; Tf = 273 K

Unknown: Pf

PiT f (631 torr) (273 K)

SOLUTION: Pf = = = 555 torr
Ti 310 K

D. Lesson 3
Let’s Solve This Problem (page 32)
Given: ni = 8.0 moles
Vi = 25 L
nf = 8.0 moles + 5.0 moles = 13.0 moles
Unknown: Vf
SOLUTION: According to Avogadro’s law,

Vi V
= f
ni nf

Vi n f (25 L) (13.0 moles)

Vf = = = 40.6 L
ni 8.0 moles

Let’s Review (page 33)

1. Given: g N 2 = 28 g at STP
Unknown: V N 2
SOLUTION: The molar mass of N 2 is 2 × 14.0 = 28.0 g/mol

g N2 28 g
nN 2 = = = 1.0 mol
molar mass N 2 28 g/mol

At STP, 1 mole N2 = 22.4 L

50
 Therefore, VN2 = 22.4 L
2. Given: gO2 = 56 g at STP
Unknown: VO2
SOLUTION: The molar mass of O2 is 2 × 16 = 32 g/mol

gO2 56 g
nO 2 = = = 1.8 mol
molar mass O2 32 g/mol

At STP, 1 mole O2 = 22.4 L

1.8 mole O2 = x

1 mole O2 1.8 mole O2

=
22.4 L x
(1 mole O 2 ) (22.4 L)
x =
1.8 mole O 2

= 12.4 L

3. Given: g F2 = 11 g
Unknown: VF2
SOLUTION: The molar mass of F2 is 2 × 19.0 = 38.0 g/mol

g F2 11 g
n F2 = = = 0.3 mol
molar mass F2 38 g/mol

At STP, 1 mole F2 = 22.4 L

0.3 mole F2 = x

1 mole F2 0.3 mole F2

=
22.4 L x

(0.3 mole F2 ) (22.4 L)

x = = 6.7 mol
1.8 mole F2

4. Given: g H2
Unknown: VH 2
SOLUTION: The molar mass of H2 is 2 × 1.0 = 2.0 g/mol

gH2 75 g
nH 2 = = = 37.5 mol
molar mass H 2 2.0 g/mol

At STP, 1 mole H2 = 22.4 L

37.5 moles H2 = x

51
 1 mole H 2 37.5 moles H 2
=
22.4 L x

(37.5 moles H 2 ) (22.4 L)

x = = 840 L
1 mole H 2

5. Given: gHe = 47 g
Unknown: VHe
SOLUTION: The molar mass of He is 1 × 4.0 = 4.0 g/mol

g He 47 g
nHe = = = 11.8 mol
molar massHe 4.0 g/mol

At STP, 1 mole He = 22.4 L

11.8 moles He = x

1 mole He 11.8 moles He

=
22.4 L x

(11.8 moles He ) (22.4 L)

x = = 264.3 L
1 mole He
Let’s Solve These Problems (page 36)
1. Given: g = 3.4 g
V = 2.8 L
T = 30°C + 273 = 303 K
P = .985 atm
Unknown: molecular weight or molar mass
SOLUTION: You can use the ideal gas equation to solve this problem. The
equation states that
PV = nRT
The number of moles of a substance is equal to the mass of the
substance divided by its molecular weight or molar mass. This can be
expressed as

g
n =
MW
We can insert this into the ideal gas equation. Thus,

gRT
PV =
MW

52
 Transposing variables to find the molecular weight, you get

gRT
MW =
PV

L ⋅ atm
(3.4 g) (0.0821 ) (303 K)
= mol ⋅ K
(.985 atm) (2.8 L)
= 30.7 g/mol

2. Given: g KClO 3 = 1.5 g

T = 23°C + 273 = 296 K
P = 750 mm Hg – 21.1 mm Hg = 728.9 mm Hg

1 atm
= 728.9 mm Hg × = 0.96 atm
760 mm Hg

Unknown: VO2
SOLUTION: Find first the moles of oxygen liberated when 1.5 g of KClO3
was heated. Consult the periodic table in the Appendix on page 58 to
determine the atomic weights of the atoms.
1.5 g ∆
2KClO3 2KCl + 3O2
2 moles 3 moles
122.5 g/mol x

1.5 g
mole KClO3 = = 0.012 mole
122.5 g/mol

.012 mole KClO3 x mole O2

=
2 moles KClO3 3 moles O2

(0.012 mole KClO3 ) (3 moles O2 )

x = = 0.018 mole O 2
2 moles KClO3

You may now use the ideal gas equation to solve for the volume of O2.
PV = nRT

nRT
V =
P
L ⋅ atm
(0.018 mole) (0.0821 ) (296 K)
= mol ⋅ K
.96 atm
= 0.46 L

53
Let’s See What You Have Learned (page 37)

1. Given: PN 2 = 410 torr

PO2 = 532 torr
PHe = 145 torr
Unknown: total pressure of the mixture
SOLUTION: To get the total pressure, simply add the partial pressures of the
gases in the mixture.

PT = P N + P O + PHe
2 2

= 410 torr + 532 torr + 145 torr

= 1087 torr

2. Given: g i He = 10 g
Vi = 8.00 L
g f He = 10 g + 4.00 g = 14.00 g

Unknown: Vf
SOLUTION: First, you need to get the initial number of moles and the final
number of moles of helium.

gi He 10 g
ni He = = = 2.5 mol
molar mass He 4.0 g/mol
g f He 14.00 g
ni He = = = 3.5 mol
molar mass He 4.0 g/mol

Using Avogadro’s law,

Vi V
= f
ni nf

Vi n f (8.00 L) (3.5 mol)

Vf = = = 11.2 L
ni 2.5 mol
3. Given: n = 7.6 moles
V = 23.0 L
T = 23°C + 273 = 296 K
Unknown: P
SOLUTION: You can use the ideal gas equation for this problem.
PV = nRT
L ⋅ atm
(7.6 moles) (0.0821 ) (296 K)
P =
nRT
= mol ⋅ K = 8.03
V 23.0 L

54
4. Given: g H2 = 34.0 g at STP

Unknown: V
SOLUTION: Determine first the number of moles of H2.

gH2
nH2 = = 17.0 mol
molar mass H 2

At STP, 1 mole H2 = 22.4 L

17.0 moles H2 = V

1 mole H 2 17.0 moles H 2

=
22.4 L V

(17.0 moles H 2 ) (22.4 L)

V = = 380.8 L
1 mole H 2

5. Given: a. STP—T = 273 K; P = 1 atm

b. T = 28°C + 273 = 301K;
1 atm
P = 745 mm Hg × = 0.98 atm
760 mm Hg

Unknown: D
SOLUTION:

a. PV = nRT
g g
but n = , therefore, PV = RT
MW MW
mass g
Since D = =
volume V
g MWP
Then =
V RT

(28.0 g/mol (1 atm)

D = = 1.25 g/L
L ⋅ atm
(0.0821 ) (301 K)
mol ⋅ K

MWP (28.0 g/mol) (0.98 atm)

b. D = = = 1.11 g/L
RT L ⋅ atm
(0.0821 ) (301 K)
mol ⋅ K

55
E. What Have You Learned? (page 39)
A. 1. a
2. d
3. d
4. d
5. b
B. 1. Given: Vi = 2 L
Ti = 400°C + 273 = 673 K
Pi = 560 torr
Vf = 1.8 L
Tf = 200°C + 273 = 473 K
Unknown: Pf
SOLUTION: Using the combined gas law,

PiVi PV
= f f
Ti Tf

PiViT f
Pf =
V f Ti

(560 torr) (2 L) (473 K)

=
(1.8 L) (673 K)
= 437.3 torr

2. Given: Pi = 987 torr

Ti = 200°C + 273 = 473 K
Tf = 4°C + 273 = 277 K
Unknown: Pf
SOLUTION: Using Gay-Lussac’s law,

Pi P
= f
Ti Tf

PiT f (987 torr) (277 K)

Pf = = = 578 torr
Ti 473 K

3. Given: Ti = 48°C + 273 = 321 K

Vi = Vf = 25 L
Pi = 897 torr
Pf = 750 torr
Unknown: Tf
SOLUTION: Using Gay-Lussac’s law,

56
 Pi P
= f
Ti Tf

Pf T f (750 torr) (321 K)

Tf = = = 268 K
Pi 897 torr

4. Given: Pi = 145 lb/in2

Ti = 30°C + 273 = 303 K
Tf = 80°C + 273 = 353 K
Unknown: Pf
SOLUTION: According to Gay-Lussac’s law,

Pi P
= f
Ti Tf

PiT f (145 lb/in 2 ) (353 K)

Pf = = = 169 lb/in 2
Ti 303 K

1 atm
Pf = 169 lb/in 2 × = 11.5 atm
14.7 lb/in 2
5. Given: Vi = 3.5 L
Pi = 2.3 atm
Ti = 25°C + 273 = 298 K
Vf = 6.5 L
Tf = 140°C + 273 = 413 K
Unknown: Pf
SOLUTION: Using the combined gas law,

PiVi PV
= f f
Ti Tf

PiViT f
Pf =
V f Ti

(2.3 atm) (3.5 L) (413 K)

=
(6.5 L) (298 K)
= 1.7 atm

57
Appendix

58
 Glossary

Altitude Vertical distance from sea level or land.

Atmospheric pressure Pressure exerted by the mixture of gases in the atmosphere;
also known as air pressure.
Collision An encounter between particles (as atoms or molecules) resulting in
exchange or transformation of energy.
Compressibility The ability of the particles of a material to be squeezed together in a
smaller space.
Density The ratio of the mass of a substance to its volume.
Diffusion The process where particles of gases, liquids and solids mingle with one
another in spontaneous motion from a region of higher concentration to one of
lower concentration.
Directly proportional Related by direct variation.
Expandable Able to spread out or increase in volume.
Intermolecular Between or among molecules.
Inversely proportional Related by inverse variation.
Kinetic energy The energy of moving matter.
Molar volume The volume of one mole of a gas.
Negligible So small or unimportant as to warrant little or no attention.
Pores Tiny openings through which matter passes in a membrane.
Random Without a definite direction.
Solubility The amount of a substance that can be dissolved in another substance.
Velocity Speed.

References

Keenan, Charles, W. and Jesse H. Wood. General College Chemistry. 3rd ed.
Tennessee: Harper International, Inc., 1970.
Mendoza, Estrella E. and Teresita F. Religioso. You and the Natural World Series:
Chemistry. 2nd ed. Quezon City: Phoenix Publishing House, Inc., 1997.

59