Worked Examples On Gas Laws and Kinetic PDF

WORKED EXAMPLES
ON
GAS LAWS & KINETIC

THEORY
by
Shefiu S. Zakariyah, PhD
PREFACE
In an effort to facilitate learning and teaching of engineering and physical sciences to
potential engineers and scientists amongst others, what follows is a series of solutions to
questions (original and modified) found in standard textbooks in the aforementioned
fields of study.
This booklet presents 45 worked examples on gas laws and kinetic theory, which is
preceded by an introduction to the theory, laws and formulae associated with the topic.
Questions used in this work are drawn from physics and chemistry textbooks designed
for A-level, foundation year and college students or what can be considered as
equivalent. It is however anticipated that students in the early years of degrees in
engineering and related fields will also find this helpful especially if kinetic theory
forms part of an elective module. Additionally, it could be adopted by teaching staff as
a reference guide during classes.
Since this work is part of a series of ‘learn by examples’ undertaken by the author,
pertinent suggestions, feedbacks and queries are highly welcome. This can be directed
to the author at the address below. Coming soon in this series are:
 Worked Examples on Mechanics

 Worked Example on Complex Number
 Worked Examples on Calculus
 Worked Examples on Circuit Theorems
And, of course, many more.
Finally, many thanks to my colleagues who have offered help and/or suggestions,
especially Ismail K. Adeboye (Advanced Technovation Ltd), Khadijah O. Olaniyan
(Loughborough University), Abdul Lateef Balogun (Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS &
Advanced Technovation Ltd), Misbahu Ladan Mohammed (London South Bank
i
University), K. F. Tamrin (University of Malaya & Advanced Technovation Ltd),
Luqman O. Onadiran (Federal University of Technology Akure), G. A. Ibraheem, Juan
Pablo Casadiego Gonzalez and Nsajigwa Emmanuel Mwangosi.
© Shefiu S. Zakariyah 2013
Email: shefiuz@theiet.org
ii. i
i
Disclaimer
Every effort has been made by the author in ensuring the accuracy of the information,
including questions and associated solutions, presented in this booklet. The author does
not assume and hereby disclaims any liability to any party for any loss, damage, or
disruption caused by errors or omissions, either accidently or otherwise.
iii
CONTENTS
PREFACE ............................................................................................................................................................. I
DISCLAIMER ...................................................................................................................................................... III
CONTENTS ........................................................................................................................................................ IV
INTRODUCTION TO GAS LAWS ........................................................................................................................... 1

WORKED EXAMPLES .......................................................................................................................................... 9
SECTION 1: BOYLE’S LAW .........................................................................................................................................9

SECTION 2: CHARLES’ LAW ....................................................................................................................................12
SECTION 3: GAY-LUSSAC’S LAW ............................................................................................................................15
SECTION 4: COMBINED GAS LAW ...........................................................................................................................17
SECTION 5: IDEAL GAS EQUATION ..........................................................................................................................26
SECTION 6: ADDITIONAL EXAMPLES ......................................................................................................................32
BIBLIOGRAPHY AND FURTHER READING ............................................................................................................37
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INTRODUCTION TO GAS LAWS
1. Gas Laws
1.1. Boyle’s law
This law states that the volume ( ) occupied by a fixed mass of gas is inversely
proportional to the pressure ( ) provided that the temperature remains constant. Since
the temperature is constant (or no heat flow) in this process (Boyle’s law), it is referred
to as isothermal condition. Mathematically, Boyle’s law can be written as:
Or
From Boyle’s law above and for the purpose of calculation it can be stated that if and
are the initial pressure and volume respectively and and are the final pressure
and volume respectively then we can write the law as:
Note: Boyle’s law is not always true for real gases since at high pressures, a real gas can
condense into liquid due to the inter-molecular force of attraction in the gas molecules.
1.2. Charles’ law
This law states that the volume of a given mass of gas at constant pressure is directly
proportional to its temperature ( ) in Kelvin. If the volume is fixed, i.e. the gas is not
allowed to expand, then Charles’ law can no longer hold or be used. This can be written
mathematically as:
Or
As with Boyle’s law, Charles’ law can also be expressed as:
1
1.3. Gay-Lussac’s law
This law states that the pressure of a fixed mass of gas at constant volume is directly
proportional to its absolute temperature. In other words,
Or
Also,
1.4. Avogadro’s law
This law states that at a fixed temperature and pressure, the volume of gas is directly
proportional to the number of moles (or molecules), . This can be expressed as
Or
As with others, we can have
Avogadro’s law implies that at the same conditions of temperature and pressure, equal
volumes of all gasses contain equal numbers of molecules.
1.5. Combined gas law
As the name suggests, it combines two or more laws. Generally, it is considered as a

combination of Boyle’s and Charles’ laws (so it is Boyle’s-Charles’ gas law) or Boyle’s,
Charles’ and Gay-Lussac’s laws (so it is Boyle’s - Charles’ - Gay-Lussac’s gas law).
2
Mathematically, the combined gas law can be expressed as:
And then
The above expression of the combined gas law is because the quantity of the gas (moles
or mass) involved remains constant from initiation to its final state. However, it is
possible that the amount of the sample changes, hence the number of mole (n) is
included. We can therefore write a more encompassing expression of combined gas law
as:
The last expression can be regarded as Boyle’s - Charles’ - Gay-Lussac’s –Avogadro’s

gas law since it is a combination of the four laws. It is important to point out here that it
is possible to obtain all the previous four laws from the last formula. For example,
Boyle’s law can be obtained if the temperature and mass are both constant. In other
words, if and in the above formula, the resulting expression will be
Substitute for T2 and n2
Multiply both sides by T1n1
This cancels out as
3
We then have
1.6. Dalton’s law
This law states that the total pressure of a mixture of gases occupying a given volume is
equal to the sum of the partial pressures of the individual gases in the mixture. The
partial pressure of gas in a mixture is the pressure the gas would exert if it occupied the
container alone. It is important to mention that Dalton’s law of partial pressures applies
to gases which do not react chemically, i.e. a mixture of gases. For example, a mixture of
hydrogen and oxygen gases obeys this law if they have not reacted to form a
compound, e.g. water or water vapour.
Mathematically, Dalton’s law can be written as:
where PT is the total pressure of the mixture and , , , … are the pressures of the
gases , , , … in the mixture.
2. The Ideal Gas Equation
This equation is a combination of the above laws (excluding Dalton’s law) which
establishes relationship between temperature, pressure, volume and number of
molecules in a given sample of gas. Combining Boyle’s, Charles’ and Avogadro’s laws
will produce the ideal gas equation as follows
By multiplying the right-hand sides of the above expressions, we have
( ) ( )( )
4
Based on the above expression, ideal gas equation can be stated as:
‘The volume of a given mass of an ideal gas is directly proportional to the

temperature in kelvin and number of moles (or molecules) and inversely
proportional to the pressure.’
Removing the (sign of) proportionality, we have
k is the constant of proportionality which, for this case, is denoted by letter and is
referred to as the universal gas constant. The value of R is 8.31 J mol-1K-1 for ideal
gases, but it is different and varies for real gases. Hence, the ideal gas equation is
More commonly represented as:
General Note
 The behaviour of gases is approximately equal to the above laws at room

temperature and atmospheric pressure, but they deviate from the laws at high
pressures and/or low temperatures.
 For calculation purpose, temperature is measured in Kelvin. The relationship
between temperatures in degree Celsius and Kelvin is: ( ) ( ) .
 At standard temperature and pressure, commonly abbreviated as STP, temperature
and pressure are taken as 273.15 K (or 0 oC) and 1 atm respectively. It is also
common to define the behaviour of gas at what is referred to as standard ambient
temperature and pressure (abbreviated as SATP). At SATP, temperature is 298.15 K
(or 25 oC) and pressure is 1 atm (or 1 bar).
 In this booklet, 273 K is used for absolute zero temperature.
3. Kinetic theory
The movement of ideal gas molecules can be described using the kinetic theory based
on three fundamental assumptions.
i. Collision: Gas molecules move constantly but randomly in straight lines and collide
with each other and with the walls of their containers. This collision is perfectly
elastic, i.e. without any energy loss during the process
5
ii. Space / Volume: The ideal gas molecules are considered to be of negligible
dimensions and so do not take up space
iii. Inter-molecular forces: The gas molecules exert forces on each other only on
collision.
Real gases do not meet the conditions above. While it is highly likely that the collisions
are perfectly elastic, the inter-molecular force of attraction in gases becomes significant
when they are close to each other and this explains why gases condense to become
liquid and/or gas. Similarly, the space taken up by gas molecules cannot be ignored at
high pressures.
3.1. Gas pressure
From the kinetic theory, it is known that the pressure exerted by gas molecules on the
walls of the container depends on: (i) the mass of the molecules, (ii) the speed of the
molecules, and (iii) the number of molecules in the container.
The relationship is expressed as:
where
is the pressure of the gas (Pa); is the volume of the gas (m3)
is the number of molecules; is the mass of one molecule (kg)
is an average molecular speed (m/s)
Re-arranging the above formula, we can have
Since density is
It follows that pressure
6
where is the density of the gas in kgm-3.
Note that the average molecular speed here is a root-mean-square (r.m.s.) and not
simply mean. In all cases, the latter is either less than or equal to the former.
3.2. Energy
Since the molecules of gases are in constant motion, they possess kinetic energy. The
value of the kinetic energy can be determined using a formula derived from the ideal
gas equation as will be shown in this section.
For the current case, it is assumed that the number of molecules is equal to one mole.
One mole of gas has an Avogadro’s number of molecules, denoted by NA. This has a
constant value of and is called Avogadro’s constant. Hence, for one
mole of gas, we can have
and
Combining these two equations, we have
This can be simplified to give
Re-arranging this, we have
( )
The left-hand side is a kinetic energy formula which can be written as:
( )
7
The ratio of the gas constant (R) to Avogadro constant (NA) is also a constant, , which
is known as the Boltzmann constant. Its value is or
. The kinetic energy of the gas molecules can therefore be expressed as
Also, the is the (r.m.s.) mean kinetic energy of gas molecule. Based on the above, the
ideal gas equation can also be written as:
Derivation of
We know that
( )
But
( )
This implies that
( )
Substituting R in equation (1), we have
( )
The number of molecules, N, in gas is related to Avogadro’s constant and number of

moles as
( )
Combining equations (4) and (5), we have
8
WORKED EXAMPLES
Section 1: Boyle’s Law
questions 1b & 1c.
1) In the following questions, calculate
the final volume of gas at the specified
(b) V1 = 24 m3, P1 = 700 mmHg and P2 =
conditions assuming the temperature
200 mmHg.
and mass remain constant.
(a) V1 = 200 cm3, P1 = 600 mmHg and P2 =

800 mmHg.
Step 1: Choose a formula. In this case, it

is Boyle’s law. (c) V1 = 110 cm3, P1 = 750 mmHg and P2 =
660 mmHg.
Step 2: Re-arrange the formula to make

the unknown the subject of the formula.
2) In the following questions, calculate

Step 3: Substitute the values of the
the final pressure of gas at the
known variables to determine the specified conditions assuming the
unknown variable. temperature and mass remain
constant.
(a) V1 = 1575 cm3, V2 = 1050 cm3 and P1 =

1.0 atm.
The above steps will be used for Step 1: Choose a formula. In this case, it
is Boyle’s law.
9
( )
Step 3: Substitute the values of the The above steps will be used for
known variables to determine the
questions 2b & 2c.
unknown variable.
(b) V1 = 48 litres, V2 = 32 litres and P1 =

1.8 atm.
Important
When using gas laws, it essential that

appropriate (combination of ) SI units are
used. For example, when Pascal (Pa) or
Newton per square metre (N/m2) are (c) V1 = 22 m3, V2 = 40 m3 and P1 = 80
used for pressure, the volume should be kPa.
in cubic metre (m3). Similarly, when
pressure is in atm, the volume should be
in litres.
Therefore, conversion should be carried

out prior to calculation. Example for is
760 mmHg = 1 atm = 101.325 kN-2.

3) A fixed mass of gas at a constant
temperature has a pressure of 2000 Pa
For the question (2a) converting the
and a volume of 0.02 m3. It is
volumes (V1 and V2) to litres would not
compressed until the volume is 0.005
make any difference to the final answers
m3. What is its new pressure?
since it is in ratio and the units can be
eliminated as shown below.
Step 1: List the known (and unknown)

variables.
10
V1 = 0.02 m3, P1 = 2000 Pa, V2 = 0.005 m3
and P2 = ?
Step 1: Choose a formula. In this case, it the unknown the subject of the formula.
is Boyle’s law.
Thus

Thus known variables to determine the
unknown variable.

unknown variable.
5) A gas with a volume of 2 m3 is
compressed from a pressure of 100
kPa to a pressure of 500 kPa. If the
temperature remains unchanged,
what is the resulting volume?
4) Initially gas has a volume of 0.14 m3 Step 1: List the known (and unknown)
and a pressure of 300 kPa. What will variables.
be its volume when the pressure
becomes 60 kPa if the temperature
V1 = 2 m3, P1= 100 kPa, P2 = 500 kPa and
and mass remain unchanged?
V2 = ?

is Boyle’s law.
variables.
V1 = 0.14 m3, P1= 300 kPa, P2 = 60 kPa and Step 3: Re-arrange the formula to make
V2 = ?
Thus
is Boyle’s law.
11
( )
Step 4: Substitute the values of the = 450 K

unknown variable. ( )
The above steps will be used for
questions 6b – 6d. Also remember

Section 2: Charles’ Law
to convert the temperature to
Kelvin where appropriate.

6) Calculate the final/initial temperature
of gas at the following specified
conditions assuming that pressure (b) V1 = 30 litres, V2 = 25 litres and T1 = 39
and mass remain constant. oC.
(a) V1 = 200 cm3, V2 = 300 cm3 and T1 =

27.0 oC.
( )

is Charles’ law.
(c) V1 = 56 dm3, V2 = 40 dm3 and T2 = -13

oC.

( )

unknown variable.
12
7) Calculate the initial volume of gas at Step 2: Choose a formula. In this case, it
the following specified conditions is Charles’ law.
assuming that pressure and mass
remain constant.
(a) V2 = 100 cm3, T1 = 270 K and T2 = 300

K. Step 3: Re-arrange the formula to make
Thus

unknown variable.
(b) V2 = 25 dm3, T1 = 240 K and T2 = 330 K
9) At a temperature of 200 K, the volume

Similar to number 7b of a sample of gas in a cylinder with a
smoothly fitting piston is 0.0024 m3.
The cylinder is heated while allowing
the gas to expand at constant
pressure. Calculate the volume of the
gas at a temperature of 300 K.
8) The volume of a fixed mass of gas at

27 oC is 20 cm3. Find its volume at 57
oC if the pressure is kept constant. Step 1: List the known (and unknown)
variables.
V1 = 0.0024 m3, T1 = 200 K, T2 = 300 K

Step 1: List the known (and unknown) and V2 = ?
variables.
V1 = 20 cm3, T1 = 27 oC = 300 K, T2 = 57 is Charles’ law.
oC = 330 K and V = ?
2
13
Thus

Thus
unknown variable.

unknown variable. 11) A gas has a volume of 0.40 m3 at 10 °C
and is heated to a temperature of 120
°C. What will be its volume if the
pressure remains the same?
10) A gas has a volume of 0.010 m3 at 18

°C. What will be its volume at 85°C if
the pressure acting on the gas remains variables.
unchanged?
V1 = 0.40 m3, T1 = 10 oC = 283 K, T2 = 120
oC = 393 K and V = ?
2
Step 1: List the known (and unknown) Step 2: Choose a formula. In this case, it
variables. is Charles’ law.
V1 = 0.010 m3, T1 = 18 oC = 291 K, T2 = 85

oC = 358 K and V =?
2
Step 2: Choose a formula. In this case, it Step 3: Re-arrange the formula to make
is Charles’ law. the unknown the subject of the formula.
Thus

14
Step 4: Substitute the values of the Step 4: Substitute the values of the
known variables to determine the known variables to determine the
unknown variable. unknown variable.
13) A vessel of 356 cm3 capacity contains

Section 3: Gay-Lussac’s Law oxygen at a pressure of 760 mmHg
and temperature of 15 oC. Assuming
that the volume remains constant,
12) At a temperature of 200 K, the calculate:
pressure of air in a flask is 100 kPa. (a) the pressure inside the vessel when it
What will the pressure be at a was warmed to 100 oC, and
temperature of 300 K? Assuming the (b) the temperature to which it must be
volume of the flask is constant. raised to give a pressure of 2 atm.
Step 1: List the known (and unknown) Step 1: List the known (and unknown)
variables. variables.
T1 = 200 K, P1 = 100 kPa, T2 = 300 K and P2 P1 = 760 mmHg, T1 = 15 oC = 288 K

=?
a) When T2 = 100 oC = 373 K and
Step 2: Choose a formula. In this case, it P2 = ?
is Gay-Lussac’s law.
Step 2a: Choose a formula. In this case, it
is Gay-Lussac’s law; re-arrange this to
make the unknown the subject of the
formula.
Thus
( )
( )
15
Assuming that the temperature
remains constant, calculate the
b) When P2 = 2 atm = 2(760) mmHg pressure in the flask when the tap is
and T2 = ? opened.
Step 2b: Choose a formula. In this case, it

make the unknown the subject of the Step 1: Work out what the variables are
formula. from the information given in the
question.
( )

unknown variable. This is because vessel B was evaluated or
emptied at this state.
( )
Step 4: Convert the temperature to

degree Celsius.
( )
This is because the tap between the

vessels is now open and the gas can fill
the two vessels.
Note that since volume is
Step 2: Now List the known (and
constant at 356 cm3, it is not
unknown) variables.
required in the calculation and
For this case, the initial variables, V1 and
so Gay-Lussac’s law is the P1, are the value of pressure and volume
appropriate formula. of gas in vessel A before the tap was
opened. The final variables, V2 and P2, are
the value of pressure and volume of gas
14) Two vessels A (100 cm3 capacity) and in the combined vessels (A and B).
B (300 cm3 capacity) were separated
by a tap. A was filled with gas at 748 Therefore, we have the following state
kNm-2 pressure and B was evacuated variables:
until its inner pressure was negligible.
16
V1 = 100 cm3, P1 = 748 kNm-2, V2 = 400 Step 3: Re-arrange the formula to make
cm3 and P2 = ? the unknown the subject of the formula.
Step 3: Choose a formula. In this case, it Thus

formula.

( ) known variables to determine the
unknown variable.
unknown variable.
( )
Section 4: Combined gas law
15) In the morning, when the temperature

is 286 K, a bicyclist finds that the 16) Calculate the final temperature of gas
absolute pressure in his tires is 501 at the following specified conditions
kPa. That afternoon he finds that the assuming that mass remains constant.
pressure in the tires has increased to
554 kPa. Ignoring expansion of the (a) V1 = 466 dm3, V2 = 500 dm3, P1 = 300
tires, find the afternoon temperature. mmHg, P2 = 450 mmHg and T1 = 47
oC.

variables.
is combined gas law.
T1 = 286 K, P1 = 501 kPa, P2 = 554 kPa and
T2 = ?

is Gay-Lussac’s law.
( )( )
17
Step 3: Substitute the values of the 17) Calculate the initial pressure at the
known variables to determine the following specified conditions
unknown variable. assuming that mass remains constant.
(a) V1 = 100 dm3, V2 = 1.0 dm3, P2 = 400

( ) ( )( ) kNm-2, T1 = 250 K and T2 = 200 K.

The above steps will be used for
questions 16b & 16c. Again

remember to convert the unknown the subject of the formula.
temperature to Kelvin scale.
( )( )
(b) V1 = 700 m3, V2 = 550 m3, P1 = 39 kPa,
P2 = 77 kPa and T1 = 57 oC. Step 3: Substitute the values of the
unknown variable.
( ) ( )( )
( )( )
(b) V1 = 2.8 litres, V1 = 1.8 litres, P2 = 2.0

(c) V1 = 5 litres, V2 = 15 litres, P1 = 3.6 atm, T1 = 280 K and T2 = 350 K.
atm, P2 = 1.8 atm and T1 = -11 oC.
( )( )
( ) ( )( )
(c) V1 = 1.50 m3, V2 = 2.40 m3, P2 = 90.0

kNm-2, T1 = 300 K and T2 = 360 K.
18
( )( )
( )( )
18) A given mass of gas has a volume of The above steps will be used for
480 cm3 at STP, calculate its volume
questions 18b & 18c.
under the following conditions:
(a) 39 oC and 800 mmHg. (b) -13 oC and 960 mmHg.
In the current case,V1 = 480 cm3,

V1 = 480 cm3, P1 = 760 mmHg, T1 = 273 K,
P1 = 760 mmHg,T1 = 273K and V2 P2 = 960 mmHg, T2 = -13 oC = 260 K and
V2 = ?
will be determined under the
known conditions. ( )( )

variables. V1 = 480 cm3, P1 = 760 mmHg, T1 = 273 K,
P2 = 120 kNm-2, T2 = 240 K and V2 = ?
V1 = 480 cm3, P1 = 760 mmHg, T1 = 273 K,
P2 = 800 mmHg, T2 = 39 oC = 312 K and
V2 = ? ( )( )

is combined gas law; re-arrange this to
make the unknown the subject of the (c) 546 K and 50 kNm-2.
formula.
( )( ) V1 = 480 cm3, P1 = 100 kNm-2, T1 = 273 K,

P2 = 50 kNm-2, T2 = 546 K and V2 = ?
known variables to determine the ( )( )
unknown variable.
19
V1 = 64.4 litres, T1 = 49 oC = 322 K, P1 =
1.5 atm, T2 = 273 K, P2 = 1 atm and V2 = ?
19) What volume would the following ( )( )

gases occupy at STP?
(a) 76 cm3 measured at 14 oC and 820

mmHg. (c) 20 dm3 measured at 400 K and 80
kNm-2.
This is similar to the previous

V1 = 20 dm3, T1 = 400 K, P1 = 80 kNm-2, T2
question (No 15) except that the
= 273 K, P2 = 100 kNm-2 and V2 = ?
values at STP are the final
values. In other words, we have ( )( )
P2 = 760 mmHg, T2 = 273K and V2

is determined using the known
20) Calculate the final pressure of the
values as V1, P1 and T1. following gases.
(a) V1 = 160 cm3, T1 = 47 oC, P1 = 700

mmHg, V2= 140 cm3 and T2 = 79 oC.
V1 = 76 cm3, T1 = 14 oC = 287 K, P1= 820

mmHg, T2 = 273 K, P2 = 760 mmHg and
V2 = ? Step 1: Choose a formula. In this case, it
( )( )
( )( )
(b) 64.4 litres measured at 49 oC and 1.5

( )( )
atm.
20
unknown variable.
( )( )
This implies
(b) V1 = 7.5 litres, T1 = -23 oC= 250 K ,

P1 = 20 atm, V2 = 15 litres, T2 = 27 C
o
= 300 K and P2 = ? Thus,
( )( )
( )( )
unknown variable.
(c) V1 = 2 dm3, T1 = 300 K, P1 = 150 kNm-
2, V = 3 dm3, T = 150 K and P = ?.
2 2 2 ( )( )
( )( ) Step 4: Convert the temperature to

degree Celsius.
21) Calculate the final temperature of the

following gases in oC:
(a) V1 = 750 cm3, T1 = 2 oC = 275 K, P1 = The above steps will be used for
350 mmHg, V2 = 630 cm3, P2 = 400 questions 21b & 21c.
mmHg and T2 = ?
(b) V1 = 150 cm3, T1 = 42 oC = 315 K, P1 =

1.0 atm, V2 = 200 cm3, P2 = 2.0 atm and
Step 1: Choose a formula. In this case, it T2 = ?
21
( )( )
unknown variable.
( )( )
(c) V1 = 8 dm3, T1 = 240 K, P1 = 70 kNm-2,

V2 = 7 dm3, P2 = 100 kNm-2 and T2 = ?
23) A compressed-air tank holds 0.500 m3

( )( ) of air at a temperature of 285 K and a
pressure of 880 kPa. What volume
would the air occupy if it were
released into the atmosphere, where
the pressure is 101 kPa and the
temperature is 303 K?
22) A gas has a volume of 0.100 m3 at a
temperature of 25°C and a pressure of
140 kPa. What will be its temperature
at a pressure of 700 kPa if the new Step 1: List the known (and unknown)
volume is 0.200 m3? variables.
V1 = 0.500 m3, T1 = 285 K, P1= 880 kPa, T2

= 303 K, P2 = 101 kPa and V2 = ?
variables. Step 2: Choose a formula. In this case, it
is combined gas law; re-arrange it to
V1 = 1.00 m3, V2 = 0.200 m3 , T1 = 25 oC = make the unknown the subject of the
298 K, P1= 140 kPa, P2 = 700 kPa and T2 = formula.
?
Step 2: Choose a formula. In this case, it ( )( )

make the unknown the subject of the Step 3: Substitute the values of the
formula. known variables to determine the
unknown variable.
( )( )
( )( )
22
variables.
24) A gas cylinder contains 0.11 m3 of gas
at an absolute pressure of 1000 kPa V1 = 0.4 m3, T1 = 30 oC = 303 K, P1= 90
and a temperature of 15 °C. What will kPa, T2 = 0 oC = 273 K, P2 = 101 kPa and
be the volume of the gas at the V2 = ?
atmospheric pressure of 101 kPa and a
room temperature of 25 oC? Step 2: Choose a formula. In this case, it
Step 1: List the known (and unknown) formula.
variables.
( )( )
V1 = 0.11 m3, T1 = 15 oC = 288 K, P1= 1000
kPa, T2 = 25 oC = 298 K, P2 = 101 kPa and
V2 = ?
Step 2: Choose a formula. In this case, it unknown variable.
make the unknown the subject of the ( )( )
formula.
( )( )
26) A cylinder of compressed air has a

Step 3: Substitute the values of the volume of 2.12 litres and a pressure of
known variables to determine the 11.0 atm at 15 oC. What volume would
unknown variable. the air from the cylinder occupy at
STP?
( )( )

variables.
25) A gas has a volume of 0.40 m3 at a
pressure of 90 kPa and a temperature
V1 = 2.12 litres, P1= 11.0 atm, T1 = 15 oC =
of 30 °C. What will be its volume at
288 K, P2 = 760 mmHg = 1.00 atm, T2 =
STP?
273 K and V2 = ?

23
formula. ( )( )
( )( )
Step 4: Determine the volume occupied
Step 3: Substitute the values of the by 32.0 g of oxygen gas (using
known variables to determine the Avogadro’s law).
unknown variable.
That is to say, 1.12 litres of O2 at 30 oC
and 754 mmHg is equivalent to 1.001
( )( ) litres of the same gas (i.e. O2) at STP.
Thus, 1.001 litres of O2 at STP has a mass
of 1.43 g.
27) 1.12 litres of oxygen measured at 30 oC This implies that 32 g would have a
and 754 mmHg has a mass of 1.43 g. volume of
Calculate the volume occupied by 32.0
g of oxygen at STP. 28) A gas with a volume of 0.40 m3 at STP
is heated until it occupies a volume of
0.46 m3 at a pressure of 115 kPa. What
will be its temperature?
variables.
V1 = 1.12 litres, P1 = 754 mmHg, T1 = 30 Step 1: List the known (and unknown)
oC = 303 K, P = 760 mmHg, T = 273 K
2 2 variables.
and V2 = ?
V1 = 0.40 m3, T1 = 0 oC = 273 K, P1= 101
kPa, V2 = 0.46 m3, P2 = 115 kPa and T2 = ?
make the unknown the subject of the Step 2: Choose a formula. In this case, it
formula. is combined gas law; re-arrange it to
( )( ) formula.

unknown variable. This implies that
24
unknown variable.
Thus,
( )( )
( )( )

known variables to determine the 30) 1 litre of hydrogen at STP weighs
unknown variable. 0.090 g. Calculate the mass of 2.56
litres of hydrogen measured at 25 oC
and 736 mmHg.
( )( )

variables.
29) A gas at a pressure of 250 kPa and
V1 = 2.56 litres, P1 = 736 mmHg, T1 = 20
temperature 20 °C has a volume of oC = 293 K, P = 760 mmHg, T = 273 K
2 2
0.050 m3. What will be its volume at a
and V2 = ?
pressure of 400 kPa and a temperature
of 100 °C?
Step 1: List the known (and unknown) formula.
variables.
( )( )
V1 = 0.050 m3, T1 = 20 oC = 293 K, P1= 250
kPa, T2 = 100 oC = 373 K, P2 = 400 kPa
and V2 = ? Step 3: Substitute the values of the
Step 2: Choose a formula. In this case, it unknown variable.
make the unknown the subject of the ( )( )
formula.
( )( )
Step 4: Convert the volume to equivalent
weight.
25
But, 1 litre of H2 at STP weighs 0.09 g, constant, the question can
which implies that 2.31 litres would
weigh ( ) . simply be solved using Charles’
law. As it is apparent in the

31) A balloon contains 3.7 litres of
nitrogen gas at a temperature of 87 K above that .
and a pressure of 101 kPa. If the
temperature of the gas is allowed to
increase to 24 oC and the pressure
remains constant, what volume will
the gas occupy? Section 5: Ideal gas equation
32) An air cylinder for a scuba diver
contains 150 moles of air at 15 oC. The
Step 1: List the known (and unknown) cylinder has a volume of 0.012 m3.
variables. (The gas constant R = 8.3 J K-1 mol-1.)
V1 = 3.7 litres, P1 = P2 =101 kPa, T1 = 87 K, a. Calculate the pressure in the air

T2 = 24 oC = 297 K and V2 = ? cylinder.
b. Calculate the gas volume when
Step 2: Choose a formula. In this case, it it is all released at atmospheric
is combined gas law; re-arrange this to pressure of 100 kPa and a
temperature of 25 oC.
formula.
( )( ) Step 1: List the known (and unknown)

variables.
n = 150 mol, R = 8.3 J K-1 mol-1, V1 = 0.012
known variables to determine the m3, T1 = 288 K, T2 = 298 K, P2 = 100 kPa,
unknown variable. P1 =? and V2 = ?
a) Pressure in the air cylinder

( )( )
Step 2a: Choose a formula. In this case, it
is ideal gas equation; re-arrange this to
formula.
Since the pressure remains

Thus
26
Step 3b: Substitute the values of the
unknown variable.
For this case, V = V1 and T = T1
Step 3a: Substitute the values of the For this case, P1 = 2.988 x 107 Pa
unknown variable. ( )( )
It follows that
33) What is the mass of gas at a pressure

of 500 kPa and a temperature of 50 °C
if it occupies a volume of 0.10 m3? The
gas has a characteristic gas constant of
189 J kg-1 K-1.

variables.
Mega is one of the many suffixes
used in science and R = 189 J kg-1 K-1, V = 0.10 m3, T = 50 oC =

323 K, P = 500 kPa and m = ?
engineering, which is
equivalent to 106. For example
formula.
b) Volume.
Step 2b: Choose a formula. In this case, it Thus

formula.
( )( ) known variables to determine the
unknown variable.
27
formula.
Since the universal gas constant

Thus
is measured in J/kg/K, the
number of moles (n) in the
original equation is replaced by

m, the mass of the gas. This is known variables to determine the
unknown variable.
true since mass of gas is directly
proportional to mole since the
molecular mass remains
constant.
Step 4: Now calculate the pressure when

1.7 kg of the gas is added.
34) A rigid gas container of an internal
volume of 1.2 m3 holds 1.8 kg of gas at Let the new pressure be pn , and
18 °C. What is the pressure of the gas
m = (1.8 + 0.8) kg = 2.6 kg.
and to what value will it change if a
further 0.8 kg of gas is added at the
Thus
same temperature? The gas has a
characteristic gas constant of 287 J kg-1
K-1.

variables.
m = 1.8 kg, R = 287 J kg-1 K-1, V = 1.2 m3, T

= 18 oC = 291 K and P = ?
35) What is the mass of gas at a pressure
of 350 kPa and a temperature of 35 °C
28
if it occupies a volume of 0.030 m3. Step 1: List the known (and unknown)
The gas has a characteristic gas variables.
constant of 290 J kg-1 K-1?
R = 8.31 J mol-1 K-1, V = 7023 m3, T = 285
K, P = 112 kPa and m = ?
Step 1: List the known (and unknown) Step 2: Choose a formula. In this case, it
variables. is the ideal gas equation; re-arrange this
to make the unknown the subject of the
R = 290 J kg-1 K-1, V = 0.030 m3, T = 35 oC
formula.
= 308 K, P = 350 kPa and m = ?

is ideal gas equation; re-arrange this to Thus
formula.

Thus known variables to determine the
unknown variable.

unknown variable.
Step 4: Determine the mass of helium.
36) The Goodyear blimp spirit of Akron is

62.6 m long and contains 7023 m3 of
helium. When the temperature of the
helium is 285 K, its absolute pressure 37) A typical region of intersteller space
is 112 kPa. Find the mass of the may contain 106 atoms per cubic meter
helium in the blimp. (primarily hydrogen) at a temperature
of 100 K. What is the pressure of this
gas?
29
N/V K T
variables.
( ) ( )
N = 106 atoms, k = 287 J kg-1 K-1, V = 1 m3,
T = 100 K and P = ?
Note that volume is taken as 1 Alternatively, we can consider the first

approach, i.e. with V = 1 m3 and N =106,
m3 and number of particle as 106 we can have
atoms. Alternatively, it is also
possible to consider 106 atoms
per cubic meter as the N / V in
the formula.
Step 2: Choose a formula. In this case, it ( )

formula.
It is important to note here that
the final answer in this question

Thus
is given in one significant
figure (s.f.) since it is the least
Or s.f. in the values of the
quantities given in the question.

( )
This applies to all answers.

known variables to determine the 38) A rigid container with an internal
volume of 0.85 m3 contains gas at a
unknown variable.
pressure of 275 kPa and temperature
of 15 °C. What will be the pressure of
the gas in the container if an
additional 1.7 kg of the gas is pumped
30
into the container at the same
temperature? The gas has a
characteristic gas constant of 290 Jkg-1
K-1.

variables.
39) A gas has a temperature of 310 K and
R = 290 J kg-1 K-1, V = 0.85 m3, T = 15 oC = a pressure of 101 kPa. (a) Find the
288 K, P = 275 kPa and m = ? volume occupied by 1.25 mol of this
gas, assuming it is ideal. (b) Assuming
Step 2: Choose a formula. In this case, it the gas molecules can be
is ideal gas equation; re-arrange this to approximated as small spheres of
make the unknown the subject of the diameter 2.5 x 10-10 m, determine the
formula. fraction of the volume found in part
(a) that is occupied by the molecules.
Thus
variables.
n = 1.25 mol, R = 8.31 J mol-1 K-1, T = 310

Step 3: Substitute the values of the K, P = 101 kPa, diameter = 2.5 x 10-10 m
known variables to determine the and V = ?
unknown variable.
a) Volume

formula.
Step 4: Now calculate the pressure when
1.7 kg of the gas is added.
When additional 1.7 kg is added, the new Thus

mass of the gas is 4.5 kg.
Therefore, the pressure of the gas in the

container can be calculated as follows
31
unknown variable.
b) Fraction of the volume occupied

Section 6: Additional
by the molecules. examples
Step 4: Determine the volume occupied
by a molecule. 40) The air pressure of a constant volume
gas thermometer is 1.010 x 105 Pa at
Volume occupied by a molecule = ice point and 1.600 x 105 Pa at steam
volume of a sphere point. Determine the Celsius
temperature when the pressure of the
gas is 1.250 x 105 Pa.
( )
variables.
But the number of molecules, N, in the T1 = 0 oC = 273 K, P1 = 1.010 x 105 Pa, T2

gas is =100 oC = 373 K, P2 = 1.600 x 105 Pa, P3 =
1.250 x 105 Pa and T3 =?
Step 2: Work out the pressure and

Therefore, the total volume of the temperature difference.
molecules
( ) ( )
This is proportional to temperature

difference
Thus, the fraction occupied by the
molecules
32
41) Helium at atmospheric pressure of
100 kPa has a density of 0.17 kg m-3 at
273 K. Calculate the r.m.s. speed of the
Also, molecules.
( ) ( ) Step 1: List the known (and unknown)

variables.
P = 100 kPa, ρ= 0.17 kg m-3, T = 273 K, c

This is proportional to temperature
=?
difference
Step 2: Choose a formula and re-arrange
this to make the unknown the subject of
( ) the formula.

is a ‘modified’ Gay-Lussac’s law and re-
arrange accordingly. √
Using the Gay-Lussac’s law, we can have Step 3: Substitute the values of the
unknown variable.

known variables to determine the √
unknown variable.
42) Compute (a) the number of moles and

(b) the number of molecules in 1.00
cm3 of an ideal gas at a pressure of 100
Pa and a temperature of 220 K.
33
Step 1: List the known (and unknown) Step 3b: Substitute the values of the
variables. known variables to determine the
unknown variable.
P = 100 Pa, V = 1.00 cm3, T = 220 K, NA =
6.02 x 1023 mol-1, R = 8.31 J mol-1 K-1, k =
1.38 x 10-23 J K-1, N= ? and n= ?
a) the number of moles, n
Step 2a: Choose a formula. In this case, it Alternatively, since we have found the
is ideal gas equation; re-arrange this to value of n in (a), we can use the formula
make the unknown the subject of the below to find the number of molecules in
formula. 1.00 cm3 of the gas as follows:
Thus
( ) ( )
( )
Step 3a: Substitute the values of the
43) A mole of hydrogen molecules, each
of mass 3.3 x 10-27 kg, is contained in a
unknown variable.
cylinder of volume 0.050 m3. The
molecules have an r.m.s. speed of 800
m s-1. Calculate the pressure of the
gas. (Avogadro constant NA = 6.0 x
1023 mol-1).
b) the number of molecules
Step 2b: Choose a formula. In this case, it

variables.
formula. m = 3.3 x 10-27 kg, V = 0.05 m3, c = 800 m/s,
and P?
Thus Step 2: Choose a formula and re-arrange

the formula.
34
For one mole of hydrogen, we have the
number of molecules, N, equal to
Avogadro’s constant, NA Note that the partial pressures
for nitrogen and hydrogen must
be calculated.

known variables to determine the Let and be the partial pressures for
nitrogen and hydrogen gases
unknown variable.
respectively. Also, let and be the
number of moles for nitrogen and
hydrogen gases respectively.
Step 3: Determine the number of moles

for nitrogen and hydrogen gases
44) A metal can of volume 2000.0 cm3

contains 2.0 g of nitrogen gas and 6.0 Therefore,
g of hydrogen gas at exactly 200 oC.
What is the total pressure of gas in the
can?

variables.
V = 2000.0 cm3, T = 200 oC = 473 K, mass

of nitrogen gas = 2.0 g, mass of hydrogen Step 3: Determine the partial pressures of
gas = 6 g the gases.
Step 2: Choose a formula. In this case, it For nitrogen gas, we have

formula.
35
For hydrogen gas, we have from 0.1 m3 to 0.15 m3. How much
work is done in the expansion?

variables.
V1 = 0.1m3, V2 = 0.15 m3, P = 1.0 x 105 Pa

Step 3: Determine the total pressure in and W = ?
the can using Dalton’s law of partial
pressures. Step 2: Choose a formula and re-arrange
Let be the total pressure in the can. the formula.
Therefore,

( ) ( ) known variables to determine the
unknown variable.
( )
( )
45) A gas expands at a constant pressure

of 1.0 x 105 Pa. Its volume increases
36
Bibliography and Further Reading
1) Bolton, W., 2006. Engineering Science. 5th ed. Oxford: Elsevier Newnes.
2) Brown, C. and Ford, M., 2009. Higher Level Chemistry developed specifically for the IB
Diploma. Harlow: Pearson Education.
3) Akusoba, E.U. and Ewelukwu, G. O., 1989. Calculations in Chemistry for Senior
Secondary School. Onitsha: Africana First Publishers.
4) Halliday, D., Resnick, R. and Walker, J., 2001. Fundamental of Physics. 6th ed. New
York: John Wiley & Sons.
5) Johnson, K., Hewett, S., Holt, S. and Miller, J., 2000. Advanced Physics for You.
Cheltenham: Nelson Thornes.
6) Lewis, R. and Evans, W., 2011. Chemistry. 4th ed. London: Palgrave Macmillan.
7) Norris, R., Ryan, L. and Acaster, D., 2011. Cambridge International AS and A Level
Chemistry Coursework Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
8) Walker, J. S., 2010. Physics. 4th ed. San Francisco: Addison-Wesley.
37

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WORKED EXAMPLES

GAS LAWS & KINETIC

 Worked Examples on Mechanics

And, of course, many more.

© Shefiu S. Zakariyah 2013

INTRODUCTION TO GAS LAWS ........................................................................................................................... 1

SECTION 1: BOYLE’S LAW .........................................................................................................................................9

BIBLIOGRAPHY AND FURTHER READING ............................................................................................................37

1.2. Charles’ law

As with Boyle’s law, Charles’ law can also be expressed as:

1.4. Avogadro’s law

As with others, we can have

1.5. Combined gas law

As the name suggests, it combines two or more laws. Generally, it is considered as a

The last expression can be regarded as Boyle’s - Charles’ - Gay-Lussac’s –Avogadro’s

Substitute for T2 and n2

Multiply both sides by T1n1

This cancels out as

1.6. Dalton’s law

Mathematically, Dalton’s law can be written as:

2. The Ideal Gas Equation

By multiplying the right-hand sides of the above expressions, we have

‘The volume of a given mass of an ideal gas is directly proportional to the

Removing the (sign of) proportionality, we have

More commonly represented as:

 The behaviour of gases is approximately equal to the above laws at room

3.1. Gas pressure

The relationship is expressed as:

is the number of molecules; is the mass of one molecule (kg)

is an average molecular speed (m/s)

Re-arranging the above formula, we can have

It follows that pressure

Combining these two equations, we have

This can be simplified to give

Re-arranging this, we have

This implies that

Substituting R in equation (1), we have

The number of molecules, N, in gas is related to Avogadro’s constant and number of

Combining equations (4) and (5), we have

(a) V1 = 200 cm3, P1 = 600 mmHg and P2 =

Step 1: Choose a formula. In this case, it

Step 2: Re-arrange the formula to make

2) In the following questions, calculate

(a) V1 = 1575 cm3, V2 = 1050 cm3 and P1 =

(b) V1 = 48 litres, V2 = 32 litres and P1 =

When using gas laws, it essential that

Therefore, conversion should be carried

760 mmHg = 1 atm = 101.325 kN-2.

Step 1: List the known (and unknown)

Step 2: Re-arrange the formula to make

Step 3: Substitute the values of the

Step 2: Choose a formula. In this case, it

Step 4: Substitute the values of the = 450 K

The above steps will be used for

questions 6b – 6d. Also remember

Kelvin where appropriate.

(a) V1 = 200 cm3, V2 = 300 cm3 and T1 =

Step 1: Choose a formula. In this case, it

(c) V1 = 56 dm3, V2 = 40 dm3 and T2 = -13

Step 2: Re-arrange the formula to make

Step 3: Substitute the values of the

(a) V2 = 100 cm3, T1 = 270 K and T2 = 300

Step 4: Substitute the values of the