Download Careers360 App
Derivation of Ideal Gas Equation - Definition, Formula, Limitations, FAQs

Derivation of Ideal Gas Equation - Definition, Formula, Limitations, FAQs

Edited By Team Careers360 | Updated on Jul 02, 2025 04:29 PM IST

The ideal gas equation is usually called the ideal gas law. It contains in one mathematical expression the basic principles relating to pressure, volume, temperature, and number of moles of gas. This formula is always written as PV=nRT, where P = pressure, V = volume, n = number of moles, R = universal gas constant, and T = Temperature in Kelvin. It is an integrated law that has Boyle’s Law , Charles’ Law , Gay Lussac’s Law , and all such laws combined into a single equation.

This Story also Contains
  1. Ideal Gas Equation
  2. Some Solved Examples
  3. Summary
Derivation of Ideal Gas Equation - Definition, Formula, Limitations, FAQs
Derivation of Ideal Gas Equation - Definition, Formula, Limitations, FAQs

Also check-


Ideal Gas Equation

The ideal gas equation is an equation that is followed by the ideal gases. A gas that would obey Boyle's and Charles's laws under all the conditions of temperature and pressure is called an ideal gas.
As discussed the behavior of gases is described by certain laws such as Avogadro's Law, Boyle's Law, and Charles' Law.

According to Avogadro's Law; V∝n(P and T constant ) According to Boyle's Law; V∝1P ( T and n constant) According to Charles' Law; V∝T(P and n constant) Combining the three laws; we get:

V∝nTPV=RnTP

' R ' is the proportionality constant. On rearranging the above equation we get the following:
PV=nRT

This is the ideal gas equation as it is obeyed by the hypothetical gases called ideal gases under all conditions

Universal Gas Constant or Ideal Gas ConstantR or S : Molar gas constant or universal gas constant Values of R=0.0821lit, atm, K−1, mol−1
=8.314 joule K−1 mol−1=8.314×107ergK−1 mol−1=2calK−1 mol−1

For a single molecule, the gas constant is known as Boltzmann constant ( k ) and unit (m2kgs−2 K−1)
$
k=RN0=1.38×10−3 J/deg− abs / molecule =1.38×10−16erg/ deg-abs / molecule
$

Also read :

Combined gas law

Boyle's and Charles' Law can be combined to give a relationship between the three variables P, V, and T. The initial temperature, pressure, and volume of a gas are T1,P1 and V1. With the change in either of the variables, all three variables change to T2,P2, and V2. Then we can write:

P1V1T1=nR and P2V2T2=nR
Combining the above equations we get

P1V1T1=P2V2T2=nR
The above relation is called the combined gas law.

Density and Molar Mass of a Gaseous Substance

Ideal gas equation is PV=nRT
On rearranging the above equation, we get
nV=PRTn(N0. of moles )= Given mass (m) Molar mass (M)

Putting the value of ' n ' from equation (iii) in equation (ii), we get:
mMV=PRT

We know that density (d) is mass (m) per unit volume (V)
d=mV

Replacing mV in eq. (iv) with d (density), then equation (iv) becomes:

dM=PRT

Rearranging the above equation, we get M=dRTP

The above equation gives the relation between the density and molar mass of a gaseous substance

Recommended topic video on(Derivation of Ideal Gas Equation)

Some Solved Examples

Example 1: A refrigeration tank holding 5 liters of gas with molecular formula C2Cl2 F4 at 298 Kand 3 atm pressure developed a leak. When the leak was discovered and repaired, the tank had lost 76 g of the gas. What was the pressure of the gas remaining in the tank at 298 K?

1) 0.83

2)1.23

3)0.67

4)2.23

Solution

First, understand the question.

there is a tank holding 5 liter of gas with molecular formula C2Cl2 F4 at 298K at pressure 3 atm

after leaking 76 g of gas lost

We have to find the pressure of the gas remaining in the tank at 298K.

Now,

given some gas is lost in grams, so we need to find the initial quantity in grams from PV=nRT and n = weight/molar mass

then we will have the quantity in grams of remaining gas.

Then we have to convert it into moles and find p from PV=nRT.

According to the ideal gas equation, we have:

pV = nRT

Thus, n=3×50.082×298=0.613moles

Thus, the total weight of the gas originally present = 0.613 x 171g
= 105g
Now, 76g of the gas is already lost, thus the remaining gas:
= 105 - 76 = 29g
Thus, total moles of the gas remaining = 29/171 = 0.17 moles
Again, according to the ideal gas equation, we have:
PV = nRT

Thus, P=0.17×0.082×2985=0.83 atm

Therefore, Option(1) is correct.

Example 2: Two identical flasks contain gases A and B at the same temperature. If density of A=3 g/dm3 and that of B=1.5 g/dm3and the molar mass of A=12 of B , the ratio of pressure exerted by gases is :

1)PAPB=2

2)PAPB=1

3) PAPB=4

4)PAPB=3

Solution

As we learned in Ideal Gas Law in terms of density -

PM=dRT

- wherein
where
d - density of gas
P - Pressure
R - Gas Constant
T - Temperature
M - Molar Mass

PA=3RTMA;PB=1.5RTMBPAPB=2MBMA=2×2MAMA=4 $;$


Example 3: NaClO3 is used, even in spacecraft, to produce O2. The daily consumption of pure O2 by a person is 492L at 1 atm,300 K . How much amount of NaClO3 , in grams, is required to produce O2 for the daily consumption of a person at 1 atm,300 K ? _______.

NaClO3( s)+Fe(s)→O2( g)+NaCl(s)+FeO(s)

R=0.082 L atm mol−1 K−1

1) 2130

2)2140

3)2456

4)2458

Solution

moles of NaClO3 = moles of O2

moles of O2=PVRT=1×4920.082×300=20ml

Mass of NaClO3=20×106.5=2130 g

Example 4: The volume occupied by 4.75 g of acetylene gas at 50oC and 740 mmHg pressure is _______L. (Rounded off to the nearest integer)

[Given R = 0.0826 L atm K-1 mol -1]

1) 5

2)5.2

3)6

4)7

Solution

T=50∘C=323.15 KP=740 mm of Hg=740760 atm V=? moles (n)=4.7526 V=4.7526×0.0821×323.15740×760 V=4.97≃5Lit

Answer ; 5

Example 5: A car tyre is filled with nitrogen gas at 35 psi and 27∘C. It will burst of pressure exceeds 40 psi. The temperature in ∘C at which the car tyre will burst is ______ (Rounded off to the nearest integer)

1) 70

2)81

3)85

4)78

Solution

T1 = 27oC = 273 + 27 K = 300 K

P1 T1=P2 T235300=40 T2 T2=40×30035 T2=342.86 K T2=69.85∘C≃70∘C

Hence, the answer is (70).

Summary

The ideal gas equation is based on the assumption that the particles of the gas are always in constant, random motion and that their interaction with one another is only through elastic collisions, thus exerting negligible intermolecular forces. This idealization serves to simplify the really complex nature of real gases and hence makes the calculations easier and predictions more at hand. However, the formula becomes much less accurate for real gases under very high pressure or extremely low-temperature conditions, where ideal behavior deviates. The ideal gas equation has immense importance that cuts across a number of scientific and industrial fields.

Also read -

NEET Highest Scoring Chapters & Topics
This ebook serves as a valuable study guide for NEET exams, specifically designed to assist students in light of recent changes and the removal of certain topics from the NEET exam.
Download EBook

Related Topics link


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. 1.What are the properties of an ideal gas equation?

The gas particles, which have a very small volume. We can state that the gas particles are of similar size and that there are no intermolecular forces of attraction or repulsion between them. The gas particles we've seen move at random, as predicted by Newton's law of motion. Gas particles that collide with each other in perfect elastic collisions with no energy loss.

2. 2.What is the ideal gas equation law?

PV = nRT is an ideal gas equation law that links the macroscopic properties of ideal gas equations. We learned that an ideal gas equation is one in which particles do not attract or repel one another, take up no space, and have no volume.

3. 3. Give a real-life example of ideal gas equation law.

We can claim that adjusting the volume of a gas at one temperature to its volume at another temperature is an example. T1/T2, which is always in Kelvin, is used to determine volume at the new temperature T2. As the mass remains constant, the new density at T2 is also constant.

4. 4. What is Ideal gas equation?

Ideal gas equation does not exist in reality. It's a hypothetical gas that's been proposed to make the computations easier. The gas molecules in an ideal gas equation travel freely in all directions, and collisions between them are considered fully elastic, implying that no kinetic energy is lost as a result of the collision.

5. 5.Explain the limitation of ideal gas equation.

The ideal gas equation equation, however, has a number of drawbacks.

As long as the density is kept low, this equation holds.

This equation can be used for a single gas or a mixture of many gases, where ‘n' represents the total number of moles of gas particles in the mixture.

The Equation of States of an Ideal gas equation explains the easy relationship between relatively generic and accurate quantities or properties. Equation of States is a broad term for an equation that relates the relationship between P, V, and T of an ideal gas equation. The Equation of States is a term that refers to a relationship including various parameters of a material at equilibrium condition.

6. What is the ideal gas equation and why is it important?
The ideal gas equation, PV = nRT, is a fundamental equation in chemistry that relates the pressure (P), volume (V), number of moles (n), and temperature (T) of an ideal gas. R is the universal gas constant. This equation is important because it provides a simplified model of gas behavior under ideal conditions, allowing scientists to predict and understand gas properties in various situations.
7. How is the ideal gas equation derived?
The ideal gas equation is derived by combining three gas laws: Boyle's law (PV = constant at constant T), Charles's law (V ∝ T at constant P), and Avogadro's law (V ∝ n at constant P and T). These laws are combined and generalized to form the ideal gas equation, PV = nRT.
8. What are the assumptions made in deriving the ideal gas equation?
The key assumptions are: 1) Gas particles have negligible volume compared to the container. 2) There are no attractive or repulsive forces between particles. 3) All collisions between particles and container walls are perfectly elastic. 4) Gas particles are in constant, random motion.
9. How does the ideal gas equation relate to kinetic molecular theory?
The ideal gas equation is consistent with kinetic molecular theory, which describes gases as consisting of particles in constant, random motion. The equation relates macroscopic properties (P, V, T) to the microscopic behavior of gas particles, as described by kinetic molecular theory.
10. What is the significance of the universal gas constant (R) in the ideal gas equation?
The universal gas constant (R) is a proportionality constant that relates the energy of gas particles to their temperature. It allows the ideal gas equation to be applied to any ideal gas, regardless of its chemical composition. The value of R depends on the units used for pressure, volume, and temperature.
11. How does changing the number of moles (n) affect the other variables in the ideal gas equation?
Increasing the number of moles (n) while keeping temperature (T) constant will either increase pressure (P) if volume (V) is held constant, or increase volume (V) if pressure (P) is held constant. This relationship is directly proportional, as seen in the equation PV = nRT.
12. What happens to the volume of an ideal gas when its temperature is doubled at constant pressure?
According to Charles's law, which is incorporated into the ideal gas equation, the volume of an ideal gas is directly proportional to its temperature at constant pressure. Therefore, doubling the temperature (in Kelvin) will double the volume of the gas.
13. How does the ideal gas equation behave at very low temperatures?
The ideal gas equation predicts that the volume of a gas would approach zero as temperature approaches absolute zero (-273.15°C or 0 K). However, this is not physically possible as real gases condense or solidify before reaching this point, showing a limitation of the ideal gas model.
14. Can the ideal gas equation be applied to liquids or solids?
No, the ideal gas equation is specifically designed for gases and cannot be directly applied to liquids or solids. These states of matter have much stronger intermolecular forces and behave very differently from gases.
15. How does pressure affect the volume of an ideal gas at constant temperature?
According to Boyle's law, which is incorporated into the ideal gas equation, pressure and volume are inversely proportional at constant temperature. This means that as pressure increases, volume decreases, and vice versa, such that their product remains constant.
16. What is the difference between an ideal gas and a real gas?
An ideal gas is a theoretical concept that perfectly follows the ideal gas equation. Real gases deviate from ideal behavior due to factors like particle volume and intermolecular forces. These deviations become more significant at high pressures and low temperatures.
17. How does the ideal gas equation relate to Avogadro's law?
Avogadro's law states that equal volumes of gases at the same temperature and pressure contain the same number of molecules. This is reflected in the ideal gas equation, where volume (V) is directly proportional to the number of moles (n) when pressure (P) and temperature (T) are held constant.
18. What are the SI units for each variable in the ideal gas equation?
In SI units: Pressure (P) is in pascals (Pa), Volume (V) is in cubic meters (m³), Amount of substance (n) is in moles (mol), Temperature (T) is in Kelvin (K), and the gas constant (R) is 8.314 J/(mol·K).
19. How can the ideal gas equation be used to calculate molar mass?
The ideal gas equation can be rearranged to solve for the number of moles (n). If you know the mass of the gas, you can divide it by n to find the molar mass. This method is particularly useful for determining the molar mass of unknown gases.
20. What is the significance of STP (Standard Temperature and Pressure) in relation to the ideal gas equation?
STP refers to standard conditions (0°C and 1 atm) used as a reference point for gas measurements. The ideal gas equation can be used to calculate the volume of one mole of an ideal gas at STP, which is approximately 22.4 L. This value is useful for stoichiometric calculations.
21. How does the ideal gas equation relate to Dalton's law of partial pressures?
Dalton's law states that the total pressure of a mixture of gases is the sum of their partial pressures. The ideal gas equation can be applied to each component gas in a mixture, with the total pressure being the sum of the individual pressures calculated for each gas.
22. Can the ideal gas equation be used to predict the behavior of gases at very high pressures?
The ideal gas equation becomes less accurate at very high pressures because real gas particles occupy non-negligible volume and experience significant intermolecular forces. In these conditions, more complex equations of state, like the van der Waals equation, are needed for accurate predictions.
23. How does the ideal gas equation help in understanding the concept of absolute zero?
The ideal gas equation predicts that the volume of a gas would become zero at absolute zero temperature (-273.15°C or 0 K). While this is not physically possible, it helps conceptualize absolute zero as the lowest possible temperature where, theoretically, all molecular motion would cease.
24. What is the relationship between the ideal gas equation and Graham's law of diffusion?
While the ideal gas equation doesn't directly express Graham's law, both are based on the kinetic theory of gases. The ideal gas equation assumes all gas particles have the same average kinetic energy at a given temperature, which is consistent with Graham's law relating diffusion rates to molecular masses.
25. How can the ideal gas equation be used to explain why a balloon expands when heated?
When a balloon is heated, the temperature (T) of the gas inside increases. According to the ideal gas equation, if the number of moles (n) remains constant and the pressure (P) doesn't change significantly, the volume (V) must increase proportionally to the temperature, causing the balloon to expand.
26. What is the significance of the compressibility factor in relation to the ideal gas equation?
The compressibility factor (Z) is a measure of how much a real gas deviates from ideal gas behavior. It's defined as Z = PV/nRT. For an ideal gas, Z = 1. Deviations from 1 indicate non-ideal behavior, and the compressibility factor can be used to correct the ideal gas equation for real gases.
27. How does the ideal gas equation relate to the concept of density for gases?
The ideal gas equation can be used to derive an expression for gas density. Since density is mass per unit volume (ρ = m/V), and the ideal gas equation gives V = nRT/P, we can express density as ρ = MP/RT, where M is the molar mass of the gas.
28. Can the ideal gas equation be used to predict phase changes?
No, the ideal gas equation cannot predict phase changes. It assumes the gas remains in the gaseous state and does not account for the intermolecular forces that become significant during phase transitions. Other thermodynamic equations are needed to describe phase changes.
29. How does the ideal gas equation relate to Gay-Lussac's law?
Gay-Lussac's law states that the pressure of a gas is directly proportional to its temperature at constant volume. This relationship is incorporated into the ideal gas equation. If volume (V) and number of moles (n) are constant, the equation shows that P ∝ T, which is Gay-Lussac's law.
30. What is the limitation of the ideal gas equation at very low pressures?
At very low pressures, gases generally behave more ideally, so the ideal gas equation actually becomes more accurate. However, at extremely low pressures (high vacuum), the concept of pressure as a continuous variable breaks down, and statistical mechanics approaches are needed.
31. How can the ideal gas equation be used to explain why tire pressure increases on a hot day?
When the temperature increases on a hot day, the temperature (T) of the gas in the tire rises. According to the ideal gas equation, if the volume (V) of the tire and the amount of gas (n) remain constant, the pressure (P) must increase proportionally to the temperature.
32. What is the relationship between the ideal gas equation and Charles's law?
Charles's law states that the volume of a gas is directly proportional to its temperature at constant pressure. This is reflected in the ideal gas equation. If pressure (P) and number of moles (n) are constant, the equation reduces to V ∝ T, which is Charles's law.
33. How does the ideal gas equation help in understanding the concept of absolute pressure?
The ideal gas equation uses absolute pressure, which is measured relative to a perfect vacuum (zero pressure). This helps emphasize that there's no such thing as negative pressure in an ideal gas and that all pressure measurements should be considered in absolute terms for accurate calculations.
34. Can the ideal gas equation be applied to gases dissolved in liquids?
The ideal gas equation cannot be directly applied to gases dissolved in liquids. For gases in solution, Henry's law is more appropriate. However, the ideal gas equation can be used to describe the behavior of the gas above the liquid in a closed system at equilibrium.
35. How does the ideal gas equation relate to the concept of molar volume?
Molar volume is the volume occupied by one mole of a substance. For an ideal gas, the molar volume can be calculated using the ideal gas equation. At STP, the molar volume of an ideal gas is approximately 22.4 L/mol, which can be derived directly from the ideal gas equation.
36. What is the significance of the ideal gas equation in stoichiometric calculations?
The ideal gas equation is crucial in stoichiometric calculations involving gases. It allows chemists to relate the amount of gas (in moles) to its volume, pressure, and temperature. This is particularly useful in predicting the volume of gas produced or consumed in a chemical reaction.
37. How does the ideal gas equation help explain why gases are so compressible compared to liquids and solids?
The ideal gas equation assumes that gas particles have negligible volume and large spaces between them. This explains why gases are highly compressible - the volume can be significantly reduced by increasing pressure, which brings the particles closer together. Liquids and solids have much less space between particles and are thus less compressible.
38. What is the relationship between the ideal gas equation and Boyle's law?
Boyle's law states that the pressure and volume of a gas are inversely proportional at constant temperature. This is reflected in the ideal gas equation. If temperature (T) and number of moles (n) are constant, the equation reduces to PV = constant, which is Boyle's law.
39. How can the ideal gas equation be used to explain why a sealed bag of chips expands at high altitudes?
At higher altitudes, the atmospheric pressure is lower. According to the ideal gas equation, if the temperature (T) and number of moles (n) of air in the bag remain constant, a decrease in external pressure (P) must result in an increase in volume (V) of the bag to maintain the equality PV = nRT.
40. What is the limitation of the ideal gas equation for polyatomic gases?
The ideal gas equation assumes that gas particles are point masses with no internal structure. For polyatomic gases, this assumption becomes less accurate, especially at low temperatures where rotational and vibrational energy levels become significant. More complex models are needed for accurate predictions in these cases.
41. How does the ideal gas equation relate to the concept of partial pressure in gas mixtures?
In a mixture of ideal gases, each gas behaves independently and contributes its partial pressure to the total pressure. The ideal gas equation can be applied to each component separately, with the total pressure being the sum of these partial pressures, as stated by Dalton's law of partial pressures.
42. Can the ideal gas equation be used to predict the behavior of gases in chemical reactions?
Yes, the ideal gas equation can be used to predict the behavior of gases in chemical reactions, particularly in terms of volume changes or pressure changes. However, it assumes that the gases behave ideally and doesn't account for energy changes during the reaction. Additional thermodynamic considerations may be necessary for a complete analysis.
43. How does the ideal gas equation help in understanding the concept of gas diffusion?
While the ideal gas equation doesn't directly describe diffusion, it supports the kinetic theory of gases, which explains diffusion. The equation shows that at a given temperature, all ideal gas particles have the same average kinetic energy, regardless of their mass. This helps explain why gases diffuse and mix spontaneously.
44. What is the significance of the ideal gas equation in atmospheric science?
The ideal gas equation is fundamental in atmospheric science for understanding pressure-temperature-volume relationships in the atmosphere. It's used to model atmospheric processes, explain phenomena like air pressure changes with altitude, and in weather forecasting. However, real atmospheric gases deviate from ideal behavior, especially at high altitudes.
45. How can the ideal gas equation be used to explain why deep-sea divers must ascend slowly?
The ideal gas equation helps explain the dangers of rapid ascent for divers. As a diver ascends, the external pressure decreases. According to the equation, if temperature remains relatively constant, the volume of any gas bubbles in the blood or tissues will increase inversely with the decrease in pressure. Slow ascent allows time for these gases to be safely expelled, preventing decompression sickness.
46. What is the relationship between the ideal gas equation and the concept of vapor pressure?
While the ideal gas equation doesn't directly describe vapor pressure, it can be used to model the behavior of the vapor phase in equilibrium with a liquid. The equation helps explain how vapor pressure changes with temperature, as increased temperature leads to more molecules entering the gas phase, increasing pressure.
47. How does the ideal gas equation relate to the concept of mean free path in gases?
The ideal gas equation doesn't directly express mean free path, but it's related through the kinetic theory of gases. The equation assumes frequent collisions between gas particles, which is consistent with the concept of mean free path. As pressure increases (at constant T and n), the volume decreases, reducing the mean free path between collisions.
48. Can the ideal gas equation be used to explain why helium balloons rise in air?
Yes, the ideal gas equation can help explain this. Helium has a lower molar mass than air. At the same temperature and pressure, equal volumes of helium and air contain the same number of molecules (Avogadro's principle). Therefore, the helium has less mass per unit volume (lower density) and rises in the denser air.
49. How does the ideal gas equation help in understanding the concept of gas solubility?
While the ideal gas equation doesn't directly describe gas solubility, it's related through Henry's law. The amount of dissolved gas is proportional to its partial pressure above the liquid. The ideal gas equation helps in calculating these partial pressures, which in turn affect solubility.
50. What is the significance of the ideal gas equation in understanding the greenhouse effect?
The ideal gas equation helps explain how greenhouse gases affect atmospheric temperature. As these gases absorb and re-emit infrared radiation, they increase the average kinetic energy of atmospheric molecules. According to the equation, this increase in temperature can lead to expansion of the atmosphere or increased pressure if volume is constrained.
51. How can the ideal gas equation be used to explain why a car's tires need to be checked more frequently in winter?
According to the ideal gas equation, when temperature decreases (as in winter), the pressure of the gas in the tires will decrease if the volume remains constant. This means that tires that were properly inflated in warmer weather may become underinflated in cold weather, necessitating more frequent pressure checks.
52. What is the relationship between the ideal gas equation and the speed of sound in gases?
While the ideal gas equation doesn't directly give the speed of sound, it's related. The speed of sound in a gas depends on its temperature and molar mass. The ideal gas equation shows how temperature affects gas behavior, which in turn influences sound propag

Articles

Back to top