Unit 3 · Intermolecular Forces & Properties
Lesson 19 of 91

3.4 Ideal Gas Law

01PV = nRT

Pressure, volume, moles and temperature are linked: PV = nRT. Temperature must be in kelvin. R = 0.08206 L·atm/(mol·K).

Partial pressures add (Dalton): P_total = ΣP_i, and P_A = X_A · P_total.

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Combined: P₁V₁/T₁ = P₂V₂/T₂. Molar mass: M = dRT/P.

Worked example: 2.0 mol gas at 300 K in 10 L → P = (2)(0.0821)(300)/10 = 4.9 atm.

Key takeaways
  • ✦Always kelvin.
  • ✦Match R to units.
  • ✦Mole fraction × total = partial pressure.
Watch outUsing °C in gas laws gives nonsense answers. Convert every time.
Quick check

Did it stick?

1.Doubling T (K) at constant V and n does what to P?

2.1 mol He and 3 mol Ar at 8 atm total: P(He)?

3.27 °C in kelvin?