flask States of Matter & Gases
Gases are the most mathematically tidy state of matter, which makes them perfect for learning how chemists turn observations into equations. Master Boyle's, Charles's, and the ideal gas law, then see how real gases deviate.
What you will learn
- Describe the three states of matter
- Apply Boyle's, Charles's, and Gay-Lussac's laws
- Use the ideal gas law
- Calculate partial pressures
- Explain kinetic molecular theory
High School concepts
Avogadro's law: moles and volume of gases
Avogadro's law: at constant temperature and pressure, gas volume is directly proportional to moles. Inflating balloons and V1/n1 = V2/n2.
Boyle's law: pressure and volume of gases
Boyle's law: at constant temperature, gas pressure and volume are inversely proportional. Syringes, pumps, and P1V1 = P2V2 worked examples.
Charles's law: volume and temperature of gases
Charles's law: at constant pressure, gas volume is directly proportional to absolute temperature. Hot-air balloons and V1/T1 = V2/T2.
Gay-Lussac's law: pressure and temperature of gases
Gay-Lussac's law: at constant volume, gas pressure is directly proportional to absolute temperature. Aerosol-can safety and P1/T1 = P2/T2.
Kinetic molecular theory of gases
The five postulates of kinetic molecular theory and how they explain pressure, temperature, and gas behavior.
Gas pressure and its units
What gas pressure is, how barometers measure it, and how to convert between atm, mmHg, torr, Pa, kPa, bar, and psi.
Introductory College concepts
The combined gas law: P, V, and T together
The combined gas law unites Boyle's, Charles's, and Gay-Lussac's laws for samples where P, V, and T all change at once.
The ideal gas law: PV = nRT
The ideal gas law PV = nRT unites all gas variables. Density, molar mass, R values, and worked molar-mass examples.
Dalton's law of partial pressures
Dalton's law of partial pressures: each gas in a mixture acts independently. Mole fractions, scuba diving, and collecting gas over water.
Beginner concepts
Phase changes: melting, boiling, and beyond
Melting, freezing, vaporization, condensation, sublimation, and deposition: how matter changes state and why temperature holds steady.
The states of matter: solids, liquids, and gases
Compare solids, liquids, and gases at the particle level: spacing, motion, shape, volume, and compressibility.