What is the Ideal Gas Law?
The Ideal Gas Law is a fundamental equation in chemistry and physics that approximates the behavior of most gases under various conditions. It combines several empirical gas laws (Boyle's Law, Charles's Law, and Avogadro's Law) into a single, comprehensive relationship between pressure, volume, temperature, and the amount of a gas.
Formula for the Ideal Gas Law
The relationship between these variables is expressed by the formula:
$$PV=nRT$$
Where:
- Pis the absolute pressure of the gas.
- Vis the volume of the gas.
- nis the amount of substance of the gas (measured in moles).
- Ris the ideal, or universal, gas constant.
- Tis the absolute temperature of the gas (measured in Kelvin).
How to Use the Calculator
- Identify knowns:Determine which three of the four main variables (P, V, n, T) you know.
- Enter values:Input the three known values into their respective fields. The calculator will solve for the fourth.
- Select units:Choose the correct unit for each value you entered. The calculator handles all conversions automatically.
- Choose Gas Constant (R):Select the value of R that matches the units you are most comfortable with. The calculator will convert this internally as needed.
- View Instant Result:The value for the one field you left blank will be calculated instantly and highlighted in green.
- View Solution:A detailed, step-by-step solution will appear below the calculator.
- Clear:Click the "Clear" button to reset all fields for a new calculation.
Rearranged Formulas
To solve for a specific variable, the formula can be rearranged:
- To find Pressure (P): $$P=\frac{nRT}{V}$$
- To find Volume (V): $$V=\frac{nRT}{P}$$
- To find Moles (n): $$n=\frac{PV}{RT}$$
- To find Temperature (T): $$T=\frac{PV}{nR}$$