Ideal Gas Law Calculator
What is the Ideal Gas Law?
The Ideal Gas Law is a fundamental equation in chemistry and physics that describes the relationship between pressure, volume, temperature, and the amount of gas in a system. The equation is:
where:
- P = Pressure (in atmospheres, pascals, etc.)
- V = Volume (liters, cubic meters, etc.)
- n = Amount of gas (in moles)
- R = Universal gas constant (8.314 J/mol.K or 0.0821 L.atm/mol.K, depending on units)
- T = Temperature (in kelvin)
Why use the Ideal Gas Law?
- Predicting gas behavior: It’s a simple model that approximates how gases behave under different conditions of pressure, volume, and temperature.
- Solving for unknowns: You can calculate any one of the variables (P, V, n, T) if you know the others.
- Engineering and science applications: It’s essential for fields like chemistry, physics, and environmental science when working with gases.
How does an Ideal Gas Law calculator work?
An Ideal Gas Law calculator automates the equation PV = nRT. You input the known values, and the calculator solves for the missing one.
For example:
- If you know pressure, volume, temperature, and the gas constant, it calculates the number of moles of gas.
- If you know moles, volume, temperature, and the gas constant, it finds the pressure.
When to use an Ideal Gas Law calculator:
- Lab experiments: Determining the number of moles of a gas from pressure, volume, and temperature.
- Engineering designs: Calculating gas behavior in piping, HVAC systems, and pressurized containers.
- Weather and atmosphere studies: Estimating atmospheric pressure and gas expansion at different altitudes.