Question

(a) Are you more likely to see the density of a gas reported in \(\mathrm{g} / \mathrm{mL}, \mathrm{g} / \mathrm{L},\) or \(\mathrm{kg} / \mathrm{cm}^{3} ?(\mathbf{b})\) Which units are appropriate for expressing atmospheric pressures, \(\mathrm{N}, \mathrm{Pa},\) atm, kg/m \(^{2} ?\) (c) Which is most likely to be a gas at room temperature and ordinary atmospheric pressure, \(\mathrm{F}_{2}, \mathrm{Br}_{2}, \mathrm{K}_{2} \mathrm{O} .\)

Short answer

(a) The most appropriate unit to report the density of a gas is g/L (grams per liter). (b) The appropriate units for expressing atmospheric pressures are Pa (Pascals) and atm (atmospheres). (c) Among F₂ (fluorine), Br₂ (bromine), and K₂O (potassium oxide), the substance most likely to be a gas at room temperature and ordinary atmospheric pressure is F₂ (fluorine gas).

Step-by-step solution

Part (a): Appropriate unit for gas density

When describing the density of a gas, the unit g/L (grams per liter) is the most appropriate. This choice makes sense for gases because g/L provides a more manageable and convenient unit to use due to the low densities of gases, as opposed to g/mL or kg/cm³, which would result in very small numbers.

Part (b): Appropriate unit for atmospheric pressure

In the case of atmospheric pressures, the appropriate unit options are N (Newtons), Pa (Pascals), atm (atmospheres), and kg/m² (kilograms per square meter). While Newtons are primarily a unit for expressing force, and kg/m² is most commonly used to represent mass over an area, the most appropriate units for atmospheric pressures are Pa and atm. Both Pa and atm are widespread in their use for atmospheric pressures. Pascals are part of the International System of Units (SI), while atmospheres are commonly used in other contexts, such as weather reports.

Part (c): Gas at room temperature and atmospheric pressure

To determine which substance among F₂, Br₂, or K₂O is most likely to be a gas at room temperature and ordinary atmospheric pressure, we need to consider the states of each element at these conditions: 1. F₂ (Fluorine) - a halogen that exists as a diatomic gas at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. 2. Br₂ (Bromine) - another halogen that exists as a diatomic liquid at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. 3. K₂O (Potassium oxide) - a metal oxide that forms a solid compound at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. Thus, the substance most likely to be a gas at room temperature and ordinary atmospheric pressure is F₂ (fluorine gas).

Key concepts

Density Measurement Units

Understanding the concept of density is critical in studying gases, and the most appropriate unit for expressing the density of a gas is grams per liter (g/L). This is because gases are much less dense compared to solids or liquids, and using g/L as a unit gives a quantity that is easy to handle and understand. For instance, when measuring higher densities, such as those of liquids and solids, using grams per cubic centimeter (g/cm³) or kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m³) is common. However, expressing gas densities in these units would result in impractical and small decimal figures due to their low density.

When conducting experiments or making observations, we often use gas density to compare the behavior of different gases under the same conditions. By providing this measure in g/L, students and scientists can readily calculate other important properties such as the molar mass of the gas or use it in equation derivations for laws like the Ideal Gas Law.

Atmospheric Pressure Units

Atmospheric pressure is the force exerted by the weight of air in the atmosphere of Earth. Units of measurement for atmospheric pressure are crucial for various scientific and practical applications, including weather forecasting and calibration of instruments. The Pascal (Pa), which is the SI unit of pressure, and atmospheres (atm) are the predominant units used for expressing atmospheric pressures. A Pascal represents the pressure exerted by a one-Newton force acting on a one-square-meter area. An atmosphere is a unit of pressure defined as being precisely equivalent to the pressure exerted by a column of mercury one millimeter high at standard gravity at a temperature of 0 degrees Celsius.

Other units include torr and bar, which are also used in certain contexts. Understanding these units helps to connect empirical data with theoretical models, enabling scientists and students alike to communicate their results and understandings of atmospheric phenomena clearly and effectively.

State of Matter at Room Temperature

The state of matter of a substance at room temperature and atmospheric pressure depends on the type of substance and its specific physical properties. Gases, such as fluorine (F₂), are one of the three common states of matter at room temperature, alongside liquids and solids. Fluorine, being a diatomic gas, is a clear example of a substance that remains in a gaseous state under these conditions due to the weak intermolecular forces and the high energy of its particles. On the other hand, bromine (Br₂) is a liquid, and potassium oxide (K₂O) is a solid at room temperature and atmospheric pressure.

The distinction between the physical states of these substances highlights the diversity of matter and its interactions. Educators and students must recognize these differences, as they play a fundamental role in chemical reactions, material properties, and the understanding of thermodynamics.