Two balloons hold two different gases. The gases are held at the same pressure, volume, and temperature. Which quantity can differ between the two gases?
1. the number of moles of each gas
2. the gas constant of each gas
3. the molar volume of each gas
4. the mass of each gas
1. the number of moles of each gas
The quantity that can differ between the two gases is:
1. The number of moles of each gas.
In the given scenario, both gases are held at the same pressure, volume, and temperature. This means that the ideal gas law, PV = nRT, can be used to understand the relationship between these variables. According to the ideal gas law, the number of moles (n) of a gas is directly proportional to the pressure (P), volume (V), and temperature (T).
Since the pressure, volume, and temperature are the same for both gases, the only factor that can differ is the number of moles of each gas. This implies that the two balloons can have different amounts of gas in terms of the number of moles, while still satisfying the conditions of having the same pressure, volume, and temperature.
Therefore, the correct answer is:
1. The number of moles of each gas.
To determine which quantity can differ between the two gases, let's consider the properties given:
1. The number of moles of gas refers to the amount of gas present. Since the gases are held at the same pressure, volume, and temperature, the ideal gas law states that the number of moles of gas is directly proportional to the pressure, volume, and temperature. Therefore, the number of moles should be the same for both gases.
2. The gas constant, denoted by "R," is a universal constant that relates the properties of a gas sample. It is the same for all gases. Therefore, the gas constant will be the same for both gases, regardless of the type of gas present.
3. The molar volume is defined as the volume occupied by one mole of gas at a specific temperature and pressure. Although the gases are held at the same pressure, volume, and temperature, the molar volume can differ between the two gases. This is because different gases have different molecular masses and therefore occupy different volumes per mole.
4. The mass of each gas refers to the actual weight of the gas present in the balloons. Since the gases are different, their molecular masses will differ. As a result, the mass of each gas will differ. Therefore, the mass of each gas can be different between the two balloons.
In summary, the quantity that can differ between the two gases is the mass of each gas.