Question

If two gases that do not react with each other are placed in the same container, they will ________ completely with each other.

Short answer

If two gases that do not react with each other are placed in the same container, they will \(\textbf{mix}\) completely with each other.

Step-by-step solution

Identify the key concept

The key concept in this problem is the behavior of non-reactive gases when they are mixed within the same container. In such cases, gases tend to exhibit a specific characteristic as they interact with each other.

Think about how gases interact

When two non-reactive gases are placed in the same container, they each follow their individual gas laws and do not chemically react with each other. However, they do have a physical interaction, which causes them to behave in a particular manner.

Determine how gases mix

Considering their physical interactions and the fact that they do not react chemically, two non-reactive gases placed in the same container distribute themselves evenly. This ensures that both gases occupy the entire volume of the container.

Complete the sentence

Based on the understanding of the behavior of non-reactive gases, we can complete the sentence: If two gases that do not react with each other are placed in the same container, they will \(\textbf{mix}\) completely with each other.

Key concepts

Non-reactive gases

When discussing non-reactive gases, it's important to note that these gases do not chemically react with each other when they come into contact. This means that the individual molecules or atoms of one gas do not form new substances with those of another gas. Non-reactive gases maintain their original chemical properties and compositions even when mixed with other gases in a container.
For example, when gases like helium and neon are mixed, they remain unchanged in their chemical structure. This characteristic is crucial for applications where a stable and predictable behavior of gases is needed. This distinctive trait of non-reactive gases allows for more controlled and consistent environments in experiments and industrial processes.

Gas laws

Gas laws play an essential role in understanding how gases behave under various conditions. These laws summarize the relationships between the volume, temperature, pressure, and quantity of gases.
Some common gas laws include:

• Boyle's Law: At a constant temperature, the pressure of a gas is inversely proportional to its volume.
• Charles's Law: At a constant pressure, the volume of a gas is directly proportional to its temperature (measured in Kelvin).
• Avogadro's Law: At a constant temperature and pressure, the volume of a gas is directly proportional to the number of moles of gas.
• Ideal Gas Law: Combines the previous laws into one equation: \( PV = nRT \), where \(P\) is pressure, \(V\) is volume, \(n\) is the number of moles, \(R\) is the gas constant, and \(T\) is temperature.

Understanding these laws helps predict how non-reactive gases will behave when mixed in a container.

Gas mixing

Gas mixing in a container involves two or more gases combining until they are evenly distributed throughout the volume of the container. This process occurs due to the random and constant motion of gas particles, a phenomena driven by kinetic energy.
Even though non-reactive gases do not chemically interact, their physical properties allow them to spread evenly due to diffusion. Diffusion is the process where gas molecules move from an area of higher concentration to one of lower concentration. This continues until there is a uniform distribution of the gases.
For instance, when carbon dioxide and oxygen are mixed in a room, they will gradually disperse until each gas is evenly spread, making the mix of gases in the room consistent everywhere.

Physical interaction of gases

The physical interaction of gases refers to how gases influence each other when in close proximity, even without forming new compounds. This interaction is primarily governed by their physical properties and the kinetic theory of gases.
This theory asserts that gas particles are in constant, random motion and collide with each other and the walls of their container. These collisions are elastic, meaning no kinetic energy is lost, maintaining a constant temperature assuming no external energy changes. These interactions cause gases to push against the container walls, creating pressure.
Additionally, when gases are mixed, their individual properties, like density and molecular speed, affect how quickly and thoroughly they disperse. Non-reactive gases, when in the same container, will evenly distribute themselves due to these physical interactions without any chemical changes occurring.