MATTER

Gas law

Properties of Gases
You have just observed that gases have volume, mass,
temperature and exert pressure. From your daily experiences,
can you enumerate some instances where these properties are
shown?

•The warm temperature we are experiencing is from the heat

trapped by the greenhouse gases (carbon dioxide, methane and
water vapor to name a few).

•The basketball is filled with air. So, it bounces while you are
dribbling it. The same is true with the other kinds of ball.

•when you open a can or bottle of softdrinks, it fizzes because of

the escaping dissolved carbon dioxide due to change of pressure.
When the wind blows, it exerts pressure too. There are a lot of
manifestations of gases though we cannot see them.

•Below is the list of these units. 

Commonly used units for volume and pressure

Englis
Variable Sl Unit Metric Unit
h Unit
Volume cubic liter (L) quart
meter (m³) milliliter (qt)
 cubic
decimeter
gallon
(dm³) cubic (mL)
(gal)
centimeter
(cm³)
atmosphere
(atm)
millimeters
torr
Pressur Pascal of mercury
lb/in²
e (Pa) (mm Hg)
(psi)
centimeters
of mercury
(cm Hg)

Remembering these equivalents will also be of great help:

Volume units and their equivalents:
1 mL = 1 cm³ 1 L = 1 dm³ 1 m³ = 1000 L
Pressure units and their equivalents:
1 atm = 760 mm Hg = 76 cm Hg = 760 torr = 101325 Pa = 14.6956 psi
Temperature units and their equivalents:
0°C = 273.15 K 0°C = 32°F

Boyle’s Law
Robert Boyle (1627-1691)
– The relationship between the volume and pressure of gases at
constant temperature was first stated by Robert Boyle during
the 16th century. He performed an experiment wherein he
 trapped a fixed amount of air in the J-tube, he changed the
pressure and controlled the temperature and then, he observed
its effect to the volume of the air inside the J-tube. He found out
that as the pressure is increased, the volume decreases. He
finally concluded that the volume of a fixed amount gas is
inversely proportional to its pressure at constant temperature.
Note:
P = Force/Area
Force = mass (kg) x acceleration due to gravity (9.8m/s²)
Πr² = Surface Area of the syringe

Gas particles have a very weak intermolecular force of attraction, hence

they move as far as possible from each other. They have the tendency
to occupy all the spaces they are contained in. If the pressure is
increased, the volume will be decreased forcing the gas particles to
move closer to one another.

The observations in Activity 2 can be expressed in the Boyle's Law

equation:

V α 1/P at constant T and n

Where:

V = volume, P = pressure, T = temperature and n = amount of the gas.

How will you read the above sited equation? It is read as: The volume
of a gas is inversely proportional to its pressure, if temperature and
amount Of a gas are held constant.

It can also be read as: At constant temperature, the volume occupied

by a fixed amount of gas is directly proportional to the reciprocal of
pressure (1/P).
Let’s take a look at the equation again try to change the
proportionality sign (α) with the equal sign (=).

V α 1/P at constant (k)

V = k/P Thus, k = VP
Let us apply the equation you learned about Boyle’s Law. Since volume
and pressure of the gas can be varied , let P 1 and V1 be the initial
pressure and volume respectively and P 2 and V2 be the final pressure
and volume respectively.
According to Boyle’s Law, PV = k therefore:
V1P1 = k
V2P2 = k
Then V1P1 = V2P2
Solve the problem:
The inflated balloon that slipped from the hand of Renn has volume of
0.50 L at sea level (1.0 atm) and it reached a height of approximately 8
km where the atmospheric pressure is approximately 0.33 atm.
Assuming that the temperature is constant, compute for the final
volume of the balloon.
In analyzing the problem, it is important that you categorize the initial
and final condition of the variables:
Initial Final
Conditions Conditions
V1 = 0,50 L V2 = ?
P2 = 0,33
P1 = 1.0atm
atm
Apply Boyle’s Law
V1P1 = V2P2
V2 = V1P1/P2
V2 = (0.50 L) (1.0 atm)/(0.33 atm) = 1.5 L
Did you notice the decrease in pressure and how it affects the final
volume? The pressure decreased by 1/3. That is why, the volume
increased by 3-folds. Try to multiply V 1 by P1 and V2 by P2 Does it have
the same product? Isn't it amazing?

Charles' Law
– The volume - temperature relationship in gases (k = V/T) was
determined by and named after Jacques Charles. In his
experiment, Jacques Charles trapped a sample of gas in a
cylinder with a movable piston in water bath at different
temperatures. Jacques Charles found out that different gases
decreased their volume by factors 1/273 per °C of cooling. With
this rate of reduction, if gas will be cooled up to -273 °C, it will
have zero volume! Interesting, isn't it? Charles' Law states that
 at constant pressure, the volume of a fixed amount of gas is
directly proportional to the Kelvin (K) temperature.
Jacques Charles (1746-1823)
Mathematical, Charles’ Law can be expressed as:
V α T at constant P
Where: V = volume and
T = temperature expressed in Kelvin
Why is there a need to convert °C to K? Kelvin is the basic unit for
measuring temperature in the International System (SI). “It denotes the
absolute temperature scale whereby 0K or absolute zero is defined as
the temperature when molecules will have the lowest energy.”
Removing the proportionality symbol (α) and using the equality sign (=)
the equation will be as follows:
V=kT or k = V/T
Thus, in a direct proportion, the quotient of the variable is constant.
If you are going to consider the initial and final condition, you will arrive
at the following equations:
V1/T1 = k and V2/T2 = k
Whereas, V1 is the initial volume and V2 is the final volume
T1 is the initial temperature and T2 is the final temperature
If the volume-temperature ratios are the same in the initial and final
conditions, then we will arrive at this equation:
V1/T1 = V2/T2
Note: To convert °C to K, use this formula: K = °C + 273.15
Sample problem:
An inflated balloon with a volume of 0.75 L at 30°C was placed inside
the freezer where the temperature is -10°C. Find out what will happen
to the volume of the balloon if the pressure remains constant. Support
your answer with computation.
Initial Conditions Final Conditions
V1 = 0.75 L V2 = ?
T1 = 30°C = 303K T2 = -10°C = 263K
Convert the temperature to kelvin.
K = °C + 273 = 30 + 273 = 303K
Solve the final volume
V2 = V1T2/T1 = (0.75 L)(263K)/303K = 197.25 L/303 = 0.65 L
Were you able to predict it correctly? Try to divide V 1 by T1 and V2 by T2
Did you obtain the same quotient? Amazing!

The volume decreases because the temperature decreases too. In this

case, the volume between the gas molecules decreases because the
kinetic energy is also affected by temperature. Do you realize the
relationship of Charles' Law to Kinetic Molecular Theory? Gas
molecules move slowly at low temperature, thus there is less collision
and so it will occupy smaller space.

Gay-Lussac’s Law
– The person who is credited with the determination of the
temperature-pressure relationship in gases at constant volume
 is Joseph Louis Gay-Lussac. He deduced that the pressure of the
gas is directly proportional to its temperature.
Joseph Louis Gay-Lussac (1746-1823)
This means that when the temperature of gases increases its pressure
also increases or vice versa. Hence, we can state the Gay-Lussac’s Law
as: At constant volume, the pressure of a fixed mass of gas is directly
proportional to the absolute temperature.
Gay-Lussac’s Law can be expressed mathematically as
P α T at constant Volume
It is can be written as:
P = k T or k = P/T
Since there is a direct proportionality between the pressure and
temperature of gases at constant volume, it can be shown in this
equation:
P1/T1 = P2/T2
Sample problem:
The pressure of a nitrogen gas inside a rigid tank is 1.5 atmosphere at
30°C. What will be the resulting pressure if the tank is cooled to 0°C?
Initial Conditions Final Conditions
P1 = 1.50 atm P2 = ?
T1 = 30°C = 303K T2 = 0°C = 273K

Convert the temperature to kelvin.

K = °C + 273
Then substitute the given values to this equation.
P1/T1 = P2/T2
P2 = P1T2/T1
P2 = (1.50 atm)(273 K)/303 K = 1.35 atm
Were you able to determine correctly that there will be a decrease in
the pressure of nitrogen gas? That’s the beauty of understanding the
relationship between temperature and pressure of gases.
Review:
Gas Law Working Formula
Boyle’s Law V1P1 = V2P2
Charles' Law V1/T1 = V2/T2
Gay-Lussac’s Law P1/T1 = P2/T2

Combined Gas Law

The weather balloon which carries instruments upward to be able to
send back information on atmospheric pressure, humidity,
temperature, and wind speed through radiosonde also applies
Combined Gas Law. As the weather balloon rises up from the ground, it
responds to three variable changes in the surroundings; volume,
pressure, and temperature.

Have you ever notice the warning label in the aerosol container? What
is the temperature requirement for its storage? Have you seen an
explosion of a can of this kind? The explosion of this container is also an
application of Combined Gas Law."The exposure to high temperature
increases the kinetic energy of the gases causing an increase in the
pressure due to the increased collision of the gases on the walls. An
increase in pressure would result in expansion of volume. But because
the can is contained, thus the container explodes."

No one is credited for the Combined Gas Law. Putting together Boyle's
Law and Charles' Law together will result to this statement.

The pressure and volume of a gas are inversely proportional to each

other, but are both directly proportional to the temperature of that
gas.
Translating it to mathematical equation will give us the following:
T = VP/K or V = kT/P or P = kT/V or
k = PV/T
The constant k in the equation above is known as the universal gas
constant. It is the result of the combination of the proportionality
constants in the three gas laws. Note that the formula is equal to a
constant, thus it is possible to compute for the change in volume,
temperature, or pressure using the following proportion:
P1V1/T1 = P2V2/T2
Let’s use the Combined Gas Law in determining change in the final
volume, temperature, or pressure of gases.
Sample problem:
The oxygen tank manufacturer used to produce 5.0 L oxygen tanks at
2000 psi and 25°C. Statistics suggests that the 3.0 L oxygen tanks at
1500 psi more marketable. What temperature requirement is needed
to produce a 3 L oxygen tank at 1500 psi?
The given values are:
Initial Conditions Final Conditions
V1 = 5.0 L V2 = 3.0 L
T1 = 25°C = 298K T2 = ?
P1 = 2000 psi P2 = 1500 psi
Computing for temperature requirment:
P1V1/T1 = P2V2/T2
T2 = T1P2V2/P1V1
T2 = (298k)(1500psi)(3.0L)/(2000psi)(5.0L)
T2 = 134K ≈ 130 K

Avogadro’s Law
During the first half of the nineteenth century, Lorenzo Romano
Amedeo Carlo Avogadro, Count of Quaregna and Cerreto, made
important contributions in shedding light on reaction stoichiometry. He
provided explanations as to why compounds reacted in definite ratios
and on how the amount of gas affects its volume, Experimentally, the
most convenient way of quantifying the amount of gas is through its
mass. Avogadro played an important role in providing evidence of the
existence of atoms. Eventually the number of molecules in a mole is
named after him.
Amedeo Avogadro(1776-1856)

In 1811, Avogadro wrote in a paper that, "Equal volumes of all gases

kept at the same pressure and temperature, contain the same number
o molecules." Avogadro was the first to suggest that the volume of a
gas is directly proportional to the number of moles of gas present at a
given temperature pressure.

If the volume of gases is directly proportional to the number of mole

whose symbol is n, what will be the mathematical equation for the
volume-mole relationship? Can you still recall the way we represent the
relationship in a mathematical equation?
Using the proportionality symbol, we can express the proportionality
between the volume and the number of mole of a gas as:
V α n at constant T and P
Mathematically, the Avogadro’s Hypothesis can be expressed as:
V/n = k
Where
V is the volume of the gas
n is the amount of gas in moles and
k is a proportionality constant
This can also expressed as:
V1/n1 = V2/n2 or V1n2 = V2n1
Let’s apply Avogadro’s Hypothesis in solving this problem.
What will be the final volume of a 5.00 L He gas which contains,0.965
mole of at 30°C and 1.00 atmosphere, if the amount of this gas is
increased to 1.80 moles provided that temperature and pressure
remains unchanged?
As we have done in the past lessons, let’s start analysing the problem
by identifying the initial and final conditions:
Initial conditions Final Conditions
V1 = 5.0 L V2 = ?
n1 = 0.965 mol n2 = 1.80 mol
P1 = 1.00 atm P2 = 1.00 atm
T1 = 30°C T2 = 30°C
Since the temperature and pressure are held constant, we will use this
formula:
V2 = V1n2/n1
= (5.0 L)(1.80 mol)/0.965 mol = 9.3 L
Let’s us now recall the previous gas laws that we have learned in this
module.
The different gas laws are:
Boyle’s Law: V α 1/P (n and T are constant)
Charles' Law: V α T (n and P are constant)
Avogradro’s Law: V α n (P and T are constant)

Ideal Gas Law

Combining the three laws, you will get:
V α nT/P
Using the sign of equality will result to this equation:
V = RnT/P or PV = nRT
Where:
V = volume (in liters)
P = pressure (in atmosphere)
n = moles
T = Temperature in Kelvin
R = universal gas constant; 0.0821 L. atm mol. K
The Ideal Gas Equation is useful in illustrating the relationship among
the pressure, volume, temperature, and number of moles of a gas. This
equation is used to describe gases that behave ideally.
Let’s apply the ideal gas law equation in this problem:
What is the volume of a container that can hold 0.50 mole of gas at
25.0°C and 1.25 atm?
The given are:
Pressure: 1.25 atm
Temperature: 25°C + 273 = 298 K
No. Of moles: 0.50 mole
We are asked to calculate for the volume so let’s substitute the given
values to this equation:
PV = nRT
V = nRT/P
= (.50 mole)(.0821 L atm/mol. K)(298 K)/1.25 atm
= 9.8 L

Summary
A. Gas is one of the phases of matter. It has no definite shape and
size. It can be compressed easily.
B. Properties of gases include mass, volume, temperature, and
pressure.
o The amount of a gas or its mass could be expressed in
moles or grams. The mass of gases is negligible.
o The volume of a gas is the amount of space occupied by the
gases. Gases have tendency to occupy all the spaces of the
container that they are confined. They have weak
intermolecular force of attraction; hence they are arranged
as far away as possible from each other. The common units
used in expressing the volume of a gas are liter (L) and
milliliter (mL).
o The temperature of a gas is the measure of the hotness or
coldness of an object. It is proportional to the average
kinetic energy of its molecules. It can be measured in
Celsius or Kelvin. Kelvin is the absolute scale.
o The pressure of a confined gas is the average effect of the
forces of the colliding molecules. It can be measured in
atmosphere, torr, psi, cmHg or mmHg. It can be quantified
using this equation:
 P = F/A
 Where: P = Pressure, F = Force, and A = Area
 F = ma
 Where: F = force, m = mass and a = acceleration
C. The properties of gases can affect one another. They are related
to each other.
o The volume of a gas is directly related to its temperature at
constant pressure.
 o The pressure of a gas is directly related to its temperature
at constant temperature.
o The volume of a gas is inversely related to its pressure at
constant temperature.
o The amount of a gas in a mole is directly related to its
volume at constant pressure and temperature.
D. The properties of gases can be varied. The relationships of these
properties can be quantified experimentally with the aid of the
different laboratory apparatus or by using the different gas laws
as follows:
o Boyle’s Law V1P1 = V2P2
o Charles' Law V1/T1 = V2/T2
o Gay-Lussac’s Law P1/T1 = P2/T2
o Avogadro’s Law V1n2 = V2n1
o Combined Gas Law V1P1T2 = V2P2T1
o Ideal Gas Law PV = nRT
 Where: V = volume, P = pressure, T = temperature, n =
amount of gas in moles, R = 0.0821 L.atm./mol.K, 1 =
means initial conditions, 2 = means final conditions
E. Not all gases behave ideally. Most of the gases found in nature
conform to the principles of Boyle’s Law, Charles' Law, Gay-
Lussac’s Law, Avogadro’s Law, and Combined Gas Law.
F. The following conversion factors are useful in solving gas law
related problems:
 For Volume: 1mL = 1cm³ 1L = 1dm³ 1m³ = 1000L
 For Pressure: 1atm = 760mmHg = 76cmHg = 760torr =
101325Pa = 14.6956 psi
 For Temperature: 0°C = 273K 0°C = 32°F
G. The behavior of the gas molecules can be explained by the
Kinetic Molecular Theory. It states that:
1. Gases are composed of molecules. The distances from molecule
to molecule are far greater than the molecules' dimensions.
These molecules can be considered as spherical bodies which
possess negligible mass and volume
2. Gas molecules are always in constant random motion and they
frequently collide with each other and with the walls of the
container. Collisions among molecules are perfectly elastic, that
is, energy may transfer from molecule to molecule as the result
of collision, but the total energy of all the molecules in the
system remains the same/constant.
3. There is a negligible attractive or repulsive force between or
among gas molecules.
4. Movement of gas molecules is affected by temperature. The
average kinetic of the molecules is directly related to the
temperature of gas.