Analyzing the Setup
Imagine a closed container filled with acetylene gas (C2H2). We are given a specific snapshot of its physical state: its mass w=4.75 g, its temperature T=50∘C, and the pressure it exerts on the walls P=740 mm Hg. Our ultimate goal is to find the exact volume V this gas occupies under these specific conditions.
To connect pressure, volume, temperature, and moles, we use the master key of the gaseous state: the Ideal Gas Equation, pV=nRT. But before we can simply plug in the numbers, we must ensure all our units are perfectly aligned with the universal gas constant R=0.0821 L atm K−1 mol−1. This is where many students make silly mistakes, so we must proceed with caution.
Preparing the Variables
First, let's fix the temperature. It is given in Celsius, but the gas laws strictly demand the absolute scale, which is Kelvin. So, we add 273 to 50, giving us a working temperature of T=323 K.
Next up is pressure. It is given as 740 mm Hg. Since our gas constant R uses atmospheres, we must convert this by dividing by standard atmospheric pressure in mm Hg, which is 760. Thus, P=760740 atm. Let's keep it as a fraction for now to avoid messy decimals early in our calculation.
Now, we need the number of moles (n). Acetylene is C2H2. Two carbon atoms give 24 g/mol, and two hydrogen atoms give 2 g/mol, making its molar mass M=26 g/mol. Dividing the given mass by the molar mass gives us our moles: n=264.75 mol.
The Master Equation and Final Calculation
We have all our pieces ready. Let's rearrange the ideal gas equation to solve for volume V:
Substituting our carefully prepared values, we get this raw expression:
V=(760740)(264.75)×0.0821×323
Don't get intimidated by the numbers; it is just basic arithmetic from here. Let's rearrange the fractions to make it easier to compute:
V=26×7404.75×0.0821×323×760
Multiplying the numerators gives us roughly 95715.48, and the denominator is 19240. Dividing them, we arrive at a volume of approximately 4.975 L.
The question specifically asks us to round off to the nearest integer. Since 4.975 is incredibly close to 5, our final answer is simply 5 L. A perfect, clean integer.