Physics Flashcards
What is the First Gas Law?
Boyle’s Law (1662) stating pressure is inversely proportional to volume for a fixed mass of gas in a closed system at constant temperature
What does a substance’s ‘critical temperature’ refer to?
The temperature above which the substance exists in the gaseous phase
What is the term that refers to the temperature above which a fluid exists as a gas?
The ‘critical temperature’
Define a vapour
A vapour is a gaseous phase in which a state of equilibrium is present with the same substance’s liquid form. This is only possible below a substance’s critical temperature.
Give an example of a gas which exists as a vapour at room temperature
Nitrous oxide (critical temperature 36.6°C)
What is the Second Gas Law?
Charles’ Law (1787) which states that volume is directly proportional to temperature for a given mass of gas in a closed system at constant pressure
What is the Third Gas Law?
Gay-Lussac’s Law (1809) which states that temperature is directly proportional to pressure for a given mass of gas in a closed system of fixed volume
What is the Combined Gas Law?
PV/T = k
Where k is a constant
What is the equation relating the volume and pressure of a gas in two settings?
P1 x V1 = P2 x V2
What is the Ideal Gas Law?
PV = nRT
Where n = no of moles of gas and R = universal gas constant
Explain Dalton’s Law of Partial Pressures
Dalton considered the pressures exerted by each gas in a mixture of gases.
He found that the total pressure is the sum of the individual pressures of the gases in the mixture, as if they were alone in the volume.
Explain saturated vapour pressure (SVP)
As a liquid evaporates into the space above it, the pressure of its vapour increases.
A point of equilibrium is reached where the rate of evaporation equals the rate of condensation.
The pressure at this point is called the ‘saturated vapour pressure’
What happens when a liquid’s SVP is equal to atmospheric pressure
It boils
Describe and explain the law which governs gases moving in and out of solution
Henry’s Law states that as molecules of gas pass into solution, they exert an increasing partial pressure within the liquid.
This will continue until an equilibrium is reached at which the partial pressure of the gas is equal in the solution and in the gaseous phase above.
At a constant temperature a higher pressure of gas will force more molecules into solution.
What is a partition coefficient?
A partition coefficient describes the relative concentration of a substance in two phases when equilibrium is reached