Math Problem Statement

An expensive vacuum system can achieve a pressure as low as 1.11 x 10-7 N/m2 at 17.4ºC. How many atoms are there in a cubic centimeter at this pressure and temperature?

Solution

To determine the number of atoms in a cubic centimeter at a given pressure and temperature, we can use the ideal gas law:

PV=nRTPV = nRT

where:

  • PP is the pressure,
  • VV is the volume,
  • nn is the number of moles,
  • RR is the ideal gas constant, and
  • TT is the temperature in Kelvin.

The number of atoms, NN, is related to the number of moles by:

N=n×NAN = n \times N_A

where NAN_A is Avogadro's number (6.022×1023atoms/mol6.022 \times 10^{23} \, \text{atoms/mol}).

Step 1: Convert Temperature to Kelvin

The temperature TT is given as 17.4C17.4^\circ \text{C}. Convert this to Kelvin:

T=17.4+273.15=290.55KT = 17.4 + 273.15 = 290.55 \, \text{K}

Step 2: Solve for nn

Rearrange the ideal gas law to solve for nn:

n=PVRTn = \frac{PV}{RT}

Given values:

  • P=1.11×107N/m2P = 1.11 \times 10^{-7} \, \text{N/m}^2
  • V=1cm3=1×106m3V = 1 \, \text{cm}^3 = 1 \times 10^{-6} \, \text{m}^3 (since 1cm3=106m31 \, \text{cm}^3 = 10^{-6} \, \text{m}^3)
  • R=8.314J/(molK)R = 8.314 \, \text{J/(mol} \cdot \text{K)}
  • T=290.55KT = 290.55 \, \text{K}

Substitute these values:

n=(1.11×107)×(1×106)8.314×290.55n = \frac{(1.11 \times 10^{-7}) \times (1 \times 10^{-6})}{8.314 \times 290.55}

Calculating this, we get:

n4.6×1018molesn \approx 4.6 \times 10^{-18} \, \text{moles}

Step 3: Calculate the Number of Atoms

Now, use Avogadro's number to find the number of atoms:

N=n×NA=(4.6×1018)×(6.022×1023)N = n \times N_A = (4.6 \times 10^{-18}) \times (6.022 \times 10^{23})

N2.77×106atomsN \approx 2.77 \times 10^{6} \, \text{atoms}

Final Answer

There are approximately 2.77×1062.77 \times 10^6 atoms in a cubic centimeter at this pressure and temperature.

Would you like further details or have any questions?


Here are some related questions:

  1. How would the number of atoms change if the temperature increased?
  2. What happens to the number of atoms if the pressure is reduced further?
  3. How does this calculation change if the gas is not ideal?
  4. Can we use the same method if the volume is in liters instead of cubic centimeters?
  5. How does the ideal gas constant vary in different unit systems?

Tip: When dealing with extremely low pressures, assumptions of ideal gas behavior are generally more accurate, but real gas deviations might still be worth considering at very high or low temperatures.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Ideal Gas Law
Conversion between units
Mole and Avogadro's Number

Formulas

Ideal Gas Law: PV = nRT
Number of atoms: N = n * N_A
Temperature conversion from Celsius to Kelvin: T(K) = T(°C) + 273.15

Theorems

Ideal Gas Law

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12