Ideal Gas Equation Graph Sketching

In this video created by Chemistry Guru, Singapore's leading JC Chemistry tuition centre, we want to learn how to use the Ideal Gas Equation to sketch graphs of an ideal gas.

Let's first take a look at the Ideal Gas Equation, PV = nRT

ideal gas graph sketching ideal gas equation

where:
P is pressure in Pa,
V is volume in m3,
n is moles of gas,
R is gas constant 8.31 J K-1 mol-1, and
T is temperature in K.

For graph sketching we have to use the Ideal Gas Equation and write the equation in terms of y = mx to work out the relationship between the x and y terms.

Let's have a few examples for a fixed mass of ideal gas.

1. P against V at constant T

ideal gas graph sketching P against V at constant T question

First we need to find all the constant terms and combine them together.

Since mass is fixed and molar mass of an ideal gas is constant, number of mole, n, will be constant.

R and T are constants too therefore nRT is constant.

We can rearrange the equation where P is the y term and V is the x term to get the inverse relationship between P and V.

Therefore P against V will be an inverse graph.

ideal gas graph sketching P against V at constant T graph

2. P against 1/V at constant T

ideal gas graph sketching P against V 1 at constant T question

We already know P is inversely related to V so P is directly related to 1/V.

Therefore P against 1/V will be a straight line passing through origin, with gradient = k = nRT

ideal gas graph sketching P against V 1 at constant T graph

3. PV against P at constant T

ideal gas graph sketching PV against P at constant T question

Again we know PV = nRT = k. Therefore PV will always be k regardless of the value of P.

This means PV against P will be a horizontal line which cuts the PV axis at k = nRT.

ideal gas graph sketching PV against P at constant T graph

For the detailed step-by-step discussion on how to sketch the graph of an ideal gas using the Ideal Gas Equation, check out this video!

Another common type of question in Gaseous State is using Ideal Gas equation in calculations.

Topic: Gaseous State, Physical Chemistry, A Level Chemistry, Singapore

Back to other previous Physical Chemistry Video Lessons.

Found this A Level Chemistry video useful?

This free chemistry video lesson is brought to you by Chemistry Guru, Singapore's reputable A Level Chemistry tuition centre since 2010.

Please like this video and share it with your friends!

Join my 18,000 subscribers on my YouTube Channel for new A Level Chemistry video lessons every week.

Check out other A Level Chemistry Video Lessons here!

Need an experienced tutor to make Chemistry simpler for you?

Do consider signing up for my A Level H2 Chemistry Tuition classes at Bishan or online chemistry classes!