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Molar Volume of a Gas

1860
Laboratory setup for measuring molar volume of gas in physical chemistry experiments.

A direct consequence of Avogadro’s law is the concept of molar volume: one mole of any ideal gas at a specified temperature and pressure occupies a fixed volume. At Standard Temperature and Pressure (STP), defined as 273.15 K (0 °C) and 1 atm, this volume is approximately 22.4 liters. This principle simplifies stoichiometry by allowing direct conversion between gas volume and moles.

The concept of molar volume provides a powerful bridge between the macroscopic, easily measured property of volume and the microscopic, chemical quantity of moles. Its utility lies in its universality for gases that behave ideally; the identity of the gas becomes irrelevant when determining the volume occupied by a given number of moles under standard conditions. This greatly simplifies calculations in chemical reactions involving gaseous reactants or products.

While the value of 22.4 L/mol is widely taught and used for STP (273.15 K and 1 atm), it’s important to note that standard conditions can vary. For instance, IUPAC now recommends a standard pressure of 100 kPa (1 bar). Under these conditions (273.15 K and 1 bar), the molar volume of an ideal gas is slightly different, approximately 22.7 L/mol. Another common standard is Standard Ambient Temperature and Pressure (SATP), defined as 298.15 K (25 °C) and 1 bar, where the molar volume is approximately 24.8 L/mol. Regardless of the specific standard used, the principle remains a direct and practical application of Avogadro’s law, fundamental to quantitative chemical analysis and process design.

UNESCO Nomenclature: 2209
– Physical chemistry

Type

Abstract System

Disruption

Substantial

Usage

Widespread Use

Precursors

  • avogadro’s law (1811)
  • the concept of the mole
  • definition of standard temperature and pressure (STP)

Applications

  • laboratory calculations in chemistry
  • industrial process control for gas-phase reactions
  • calibration of gas flow meters
  • environmental monitoring of gas pollutants by volume
  • design of gas storage and transportation vessels

Patents:

NA

Potential Innovations Ideas

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Related to: molar volume, standard temperature and pressure, STP, mole, ideal gas, stoichiometry, gas density, 22.4 liters, avogadro’s law, chemical calculation.

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Historical Context

(if date is unknown or not relevant, e.g. "fluid mechanics", a rounded estimation of its notable emergence is provided)

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