How many moles of gas are contained in a typical human breath that takes in 0.50 L of air at 1.0 atm pressure and 37 °C?
How many moles of gas are contained in a typical human breath that takes in 0.50 L of air at 1.0 atm pressure and 37 °C?
Identify the known quantities and the desired quantity.
P = 1.0 atm
V = 0.50 L
T = 37 °C n = ? mol
known quantities desired quantity
Step [2] Convert all values to proper units and choose the value of R that contains these units.
• Convert °C to K. K = °C + 273 = 37 °C + 273 = 310. K
• Use the value of R in atm since the pressure is given in atm; that is, R = 0.0821 L · atm/mol · K.
Step [3] Write the equation and rearrange it to isolate the desired quantity on one side.
• Use the ideal gas law and solve for n by dividing both sides by RT.
Step [4] Solve the problem.
• Substitute the known quantities into the equation and solve for n.