Question

State standard conditions for a gas in Kelvin units and atmospheres.

Short answer

273.15 K and 1 atm.

Step-by-step solution

Identify Standard Temperature

Standard temperature for gases is defined as 0 degrees Celsius. To convert this to Kelvin, use the conversion formula: \[ T(K) = T(^\circ C) + 273.15 \]Substituting 0 for \( T(^\circ C) \), we get:\[ T(K) = 0 + 273.15 = 273.15\, K \]

Identify Standard Pressure

Standard pressure for gases is defined as 1 atmosphere (atm). This is the pressure unit used to describe standard conditions for gases without requiring conversion.

State Standard Conditions

Combine the results from Steps 1 and 2 to fully state the standard conditions for a gas. Standard conditions for a gas are a temperature of 273.15 Kelvin and a pressure of 1 atmosphere.

Key concepts

Standard Temperature and Pressure (STP)

Standard Temperature and Pressure (STP) refer to a set of conditions that scientists commonly use to compare gas behavior. It allows consistent communication and comparison between different scientific experiments and data. At STP, the standard temperature is 0 degrees Celsius, which is equivalent to 273.15 Kelvin as per the Kelvin temperature scale. The standard pressure is defined as 1 atmosphere (atm). These conditions are important because they provide a reference point. This helps scientists predict how a gas might behave under different circumstances. It simplifies calculations in chemistry, particularly in gas laws, where temperature and pressure are crucial variables.

Kelvin Temperature Scale

The Kelvin temperature scale is an absolute temperature scale used in scientific measurements. Unlike Celsius or Fahrenheit, the Kelvin scale starts at absolute zero, the point where all molecular motion ceases. This makes Kelvin particularly useful for scientific calculations. The conversion from Celsius to Kelvin is straightforward: you simply add 273.15 to the Celsius temperature. For example, 0 degrees Celsius becomes 273.15 Kelvin. Using Kelvin is beneficial because it avoids negative numbers, making it easier to apply in gas law equations such as the Ideal Gas Law. Kelvin provides a universal standard that simplifies the mathematical operations involved in thermodynamic calculations.

Atmospheric Pressure

Atmospheric pressure is the force exerted by the weight of the Earth's atmosphere. At sea level, it is commonly measured as 1 atmosphere, or 1 atm, which equals about 101.3 kilopascals (kPa), or 760 millimeters of mercury (mmHg). Atmospheric pressure is crucial in the study of gases because it influences how gases behave under different conditions. Variations in atmospheric pressure can significantly impact gas volumes and densities. Understanding atmospheric pressure is essential when working with gas laws, as it provides a standard measurement for scientific experimentation and helps in calculating how gases will expand or compress under different conditions.