Question 36 of 513
Which is the temperature of a given mass of a gas initially at 0°C and 9 atm, if the pressure is reduced to 3 atm at constant volume?
- A. 91K
- B. 273K
- C. 300K
- D. 91°C
Correct Answer:
A
Explanation
To solve the problem of finding the temperature of a gas when its pressure is reduced at constant volume, we can use the ideal gas law and the relationship between pressure and temperature. Let's break this down step-by-step.
### Step 1: Understand the Ideal Gas Law
The ideal gas law is given by the equation:
\[ PV = nRT \]
Where:
- \( P \) = pressure of the gas (in atm)
- \( V \) = volume of the gas (in liters)
- \( n \) = number of moles of gas
- \( R \) = ideal gas constant (0.0821 L·atm/(K·mol))
- \( T \) = temperature of the gas (in Kelvin)
### Step 2: Use the Relationship Between Pressure and Temperature
Since the volume is constant, we can use the relationship derived from the ideal gas law that relates pressure and temperature:
\[ \frac{P_1}{T_1} = \frac{P_2}{T_2} \]
Where:
- \( P_1 \) and \( T_1 \) are the initial pressure and temperature.
- \( P_2 \) and \( T_2 \) are the final pressure and temperature.
### Step 3: Identify the Given Values
From the problem:
- Initial pressure, \( P_1 = 9 \) atm
- Initial temperature, \( T_1 = 0°C = 273K \) (we convert Celsius to Kelvin by adding 273)
- Final pressure, \( P_2 = 3 \) atm
- Final temperature, \( T_2 \) is what we need to find.
### Step 4: Rearranging the Equation
We can rearrange the equation to solve for \( T_2 \):
\[ T_2 = T_1 \times \frac{P_2}{P_1} \]
### Step 5: Substitute the Values
Now, we substitute the known values into the equation:
\[ T_2 = 273K \times \frac{3 \text{ atm}}{9 \text{ atm}} \]
### Step 6: Calculate \( T_2 \)
Now, we perform the calculation:
\[ T_2 = 273K \times \frac{1}{3} \]
\[ T_2 = 273K \times 0.3333 \]
\[ T_2 = 91K \]
### Conclusion
The final temperature of the gas when the pressure is reduced to 3 atm at constant volume is **91K**.
### Explanation of Other Options
- **Option B (273K)**: This is the initial temperature of the gas, not the final temperature after the pressure change.
- **Option C (300K)**: This value does not relate to the calculations based on the pressure change and is not derived from the ideal gas law.
- **Option D (91°C)**: This is a misinterpretation of the temperature in Kelvin. 91K is equivalent to -182°C, not 91°C.
### Revision Summary
- Use the ideal gas law to relate pressure and temperature.
- Convert Celsius to Kelvin when necessary.
- At constant volume, use the ratio of pressures to find the new temperature.
- Always check the units and conversions to avoid common pitfalls.
The correct answer is **A. 91K**.