CHAPTER 3 (GASES)

Short Questions (2010-2023)

Pressure and its Units
1. Define pressure. Give its different units. 2017
Ans. Pressure is defined as the force exerted by the molecules of gas during collision against unit
area of the wall of the vessel, mathematically:
P=F/A
In S.I. units, force is measured in Newton and area in m 2, thus the S.I. unit of pressure is Nm -2.

2. Write down the value of atmospheric pressure in four different units. 2015
Ans. The values of atmospheric pressure in different units are as follows:
Atmospheric pressure = 1 atm=101325 N.m-2= 760 torr = 14.7 psi

Boyle’s Law
3. What are isotherms? What happens to the positions of isotherms when they are plotted at
high temperature for a particular gas? 2014,2021
Ans. Isotherms:
The curves obtained by plotting pressure (P) of the gas versus volume (V) at constant temperature
for the fixed moles of gas are called isotherms (Iso=same, Therm= heat)
Effect of high Temperature:
If temperature of a gas is increased, the volume of a gas is also increased and curve of ‘P’ versus
‘V’ goes away from both axes.

4. Why do we get straight line when pressure is plotted against inverse of volume? 2019
Ans. Graph plotted between P and 1/V:
When a graph is plotted between inverse of volume (1/V)
taken on X- axis and Pressure (P) taken on Y- axis, a straight line is
obtained. This proves that P and 1/V are directly proportional to each
other.

5. The plot of PV Vs P is a straight line at constant temperature and with a fixed number of
moles of an ideal gas. Justify. 2016
 Ans. If we plot a graph between pressure on x-axis and the product PV on Y-axis. A straight
line parallel to the pressure axis is obtained. This straight line indicates that PV=k at all
pressures. This type of straight line also helps to understand the ideal or non-ideal behaviour
of gases.
Y

PV = K
PV = K

X
0 P(atm)
A plot between pressure and product of PV

Charles’s Law & Scales of thermometry

6. Justify that volume of gas becomes theoretically zero at -273oC. 2014
Ans. The temperature -273.16oC is called Absolute zero and is defined as a temperature at which
volume of a gas theoretically becomes zero. This temperature is practically non-attainable in
gaseous state because at this extremely low temperature all gases convert to liquid or solid.
7. Write down the quantitative statement of Charles’s Law. 2021
Ans. The quantitative statement of Charles’s law is as follows.
‘At constant pressure, the volume of the given mass of the gas increases or decreases by 1/273 of
its original volume at 0oC for every 1oC rise or fall in temperature respectively’.
Mathematically,
t 
Vt = Vo 1+
 273 
Where;
Vt= volume of gas at any desired temperature T taken in oC
Vo= volume of gas at OoC

8. What do you mean by absolute zero temperature of gases? 2016

Ans. The temperature at which volume of gas becomes zero is called Absolute zero. Its value is -
273.16oC or Zero Kelvin. It is only theoretical but not possible practically to have zero volume.
9. Write formulas to interconvert various scales of temperature. 2022
Ans. Following relationships help us to understand the inter conversion of various scales of
temperatures.
K = o
C + 273.16
o
C = 5/9[oF – 32]
o
F = 9/5(oC) + 32

General Gas Equation and Units of R

10. Calculate the value of R in S.I units. 2013 ,2015,2016,2019, 2021
Ans. The S.I value and units of ‘R’ for one mole of ideal gas at S.T.P can be derived as follows:
Let’s say P= 101325 N.m-2
V=22.414 dm3 =0.022414 m3
n=1mol
T=0oC= 273K
PV=nRT
R= PV/nT= 101325 x 22.414/1 x 273
= 8.314 N.m.K-.mol-1
= 8.314 J.K-.mol-1

11. What is the physical meaning of R. 2021

Ans. The value of R is given below;
R =0.00821  760 mm of Hg dm3 K−1 mol−1
The physical meaning of this value is that, if we have one mole of an ideal gas at 273.16K and 1
atm pressure and its temperature is increased by 1Kelvin, It will absorb 0.0821 dm 3.atm energy.
12. Calculate the value of R in units’ atm.dm 3.k-1mol-1. 2018
Ans. P = 1 atm
V = 22.414 dm3
T = 0oC = 273K n = 1 mol
PV = nRT
PV 1  22.414
R = =
nT 1273
R = 0.0821 atm dm3 K−1 mol−1
Or R = 0.00821  760 mm of Hg dm3 K−1 mol−1

13. Derive expression for the molecular mass of the gas using general gas equation. 2018
Ans. PV=nRT
m
n=
M
mRT
so PV=
M
mRT
Also M=
PV

14. How density of an ideal gas can be calculated from ideal gas equation? Derive expression.
2018,2022,2023
Ans. Calculation of density of an ideal gas
PV=nRT
m
n=
M
mRT
so PV=
M
mRT
Also PM=
V
or PM= dRT
PM
or d=
RT

15. Calculate the density of methane at STP. 2010

Ans. See Example # 4
Avogadro’s Law
16. What is Avogadro’s Law of gases? 2012, 2014, 2016,2023
Ans. Avogadro’s law
According to this law, "Equal volumes of all the ideal gases at the same temperature and
pressure contain equal number of molecules".
Example:
If we have 22.414 dm3 of each of H2, He, N2, 02 and CO in separate vessels at S.T.P, then the
number of molecules in each will be 6.02 x 1023
Dalton’s Law of Partial Pressure
17. Prove that PA=Pt.XA 2014
18. Why regular air can’t be used in diver’s tanks? 2010
19. Why the pilots feel uncomfortable breathing at high altitude? 2021,2023
20. Calculate fraction of total pressure exerted by Oxygen when equal masses of CH 4 and O2 are
mixed into an empty container at 25oC. 2014.
Diffusion & Effusion, Graham’s Law
21. Why do lighter gases diffuse more rapidly than heavier gases? 2016,2019
Ans. The diffusion is the process of gradual mixing of molecules of one gas with molecules of
another Gas. Lighter gases diffuse more rapidly than heavier gases following Graham’s law which
states that ‘Rate of diffusion of a gas is inversely proportional to the square root of its molar
mass or density. In fact lighter gases have greater velocities and greater rates of diffusion.
22. Rate of diffusion of ammonia (NH3) is more than that of HCl. Why? 2017
Ans. Graham’s law which states that ‘Rate of diffusion of a gas is inversely proportional to the
square root of its molar mass or density.

The molar mass (17 gmol-1) of Ammonia is lesser than the molar mass of HCl which is 36.5
gmol-1 so Ammonia diffuses at faster rate.
23. How do you differentiate between diffusion and effusion? 2023
Ans.
Diffusion Effusion
It is the phenomenon of It is the escape of gas molecules from area of high
intermingling of molecules of pressure towards area of low pressure or vacuum
various gases into each other through a microscopic pore in the container.
The spreading of fragrance of The decrease in air pressure in balloons with the
perfume is because of diffusion passage of time is because of effusion

Principles of Liquefaction of Gases

24. State Joule-Thomson Effect. Write its application. 2010,2011,2012
Ans. When a highly compressed gas is allowed to expand into a region of low pressure, it
undergoes cooling. This principle is called ‘Joule-Thomson’s Effect.’
Applications: This principle is used in refrigerators, ice factories, cold storages, air
conditioner, etc.
25. What do you mean by Critical temperature and Critical pressure of gases? 2016
Ans. The highest temperature at which a gas can be liquefied is called critical temperature.
The minimum pressure which is required to liquefy a gas at its critical temperature is called
critical pressure.
Example:
Critical temperature of CO2 is 31.1oC and its Critical pressure is 73 atm.
Kinetic Molecular Theory (K.M.T) and Derivation of Gas Laws
26. Give four fundamental postulates of KMT of gases. 2013
Ans. The fundamental postulates of this kinetic theory of gases are as follows:
i. Every gas consists of a large number of very small particles called molecules.
Gases like He, Ne, Ar have monatomic molecules. Others like O2, PCl3, and SO2 have polyatomic
Molecules.
ii. The molecules of a gas move haphazardly (randomly), colliding among themselves and with
the walls of the container and change their directions.
iii. The pressure exerted by a gas is due to the collisions of its molecules with the walls of a
container. The collisions among the molecules are perfectly elastic.
iv. The molecules of a gas are widely separated from one another and there are sufficient
empty spaces among them.

27. Write down two faulty assumptions (postulates) of KMT of gases. 2012, 2015,2022
Ans. Faulty postulates of KMT are as follows;
i. There are no attractive forces among the molecules of gases.
 ii. The actual volume of the molecules of gases is negligible as compared to volume
occupied by the gas (i.e. volume of the vessel)

28. Explain Boyle’s law with the help of KMT. 2013, 2014,2021
Ans.
According to one of the postulates of Kinetic molecular theory, the kinetic energy of the gas
molecules varies directly with the absolute temperature of the gas. For N molecules of gas Kinetic
−
energy is 1 mNc2
2
1 −
So mNc2 T
2
1 −
mNc2= kT ⎯→ 1
2
Where ‘k’ is the proportionality constant
According to the kinetic equation of gases
1 −
PV = mNc2 ⎯→ 2
3
Multiplying and dividing by 2 on right hand side and rearranging gives
2 1 − 
PV = mNc2
3 2 
1 −
As mNc2= kT (see eq---1)
2
2
So PV = kT ⎯→ 3
3
For Boyle’s law, take T as constant and in this way 2 kT becomes constant. So PV=
3
constant which is Boyle’s law.

29. Derive Graham’s law from kinetic equation of gases. 2013, 2019
Ans.
Applying the kinetic equation
1 −
PV = mNc2 ⎯→ 1
3
If we take one mole of a gas having Avogadro’s number of molecules (N = N A) then the
equation (13) can be written as:
1 −
PV = mNAc2 ⎯→ 2
3
1 −
or PV = M1c2 (As M = mNA) ⎯→ 3
3
where M is the molecular mass of the gas
− 3PV
or c2 =
M
Taking square root
− 3PV
c2 =
M
− 3P 3P M
c2 = = (As = d)
M/V d V
‘V’ is the molar volume of gas at given condition. Since the root mean square velocity of the gas is
proportional to the rate of diffusion of the gas.
 −
c2  r
So 3p ⎯→ 4
r 
d
At constant pressure
1 (Graham’s
r 
d
30. Derive Avogadro’s law from kinetic equation of gases. 2021
Ans.
31. Derive Charles’s law from kinetic equation of gases. 2022
Ans.
−
For N molecules of gas Kinetic energy is 1 mNc2
2
1 −
So mNc2 T
2
1 −
mNc2= kT ⎯→ 1
2
Where ‘k’ is the proportionality constant
According to the kinetic equation of gases
1 −
PV = mNc2 ⎯→ 2
3
Multiplying and dividing by 2 on right hand side and rearranging gives
2 1 − 
PV = mNc2
3 2 
1 −
As mNc2= kT (see eq---1)
2
2
So PV = = kT ⎯→ 3
3

For Charles’s law, rearrange equation No.3

2
PV = kT
3
2 kT  2k 
V = = T
3 P  3P 
At constant pressure, 2 k = k” (a new constant)
3 P
Therefore, V = k” T
Or V = k” (which is Charles’s law)
T

Ideal and on-Ideal Behaviour of Gases

32. Gases show non-ideal behaviour at high pressure and low temperature. Give reason. 2023
OR
What are the causes of deviation from the ideality? 2023

Ans. High pressure brings the molecules closer to each other while low temperature
decreases their kinetic energies. In such conditions intermolecular forces start operating and
become stronger with further decrease of temperature. With intermolecular forces, gas
molecules do not act independently, and gas becomes non-ideal.
33. H2 and He behave ideally while Cl2 and SO2 do not. Why? 2012, 2017
Ans. H2 and He both have negligible intermolecular forces between their molecules at room
temperature but SO2 and Cl2 have significant intermolecular forces among their molecules. This
is the reason that H2 and He show ideal behavior while Cl2 and SO2 show non-ideal behavior
instead.

34. SO2 is comparatively non-ideal at 273K but behave ideally at 373K. 2011,2013,2018
Ans. SO2 gas at 273 K is much non-ideal because of the intermolecular forces which are
usually strong at low temperatures. At 373 K because of high temperature intermolecular
forces either break or become weaker so gas starts behaving nearly ideal.
35. Water vapors do not behave ideally at 273K. Give the reason. 2022
Ans. Water vapors do not beave ideally at 273 because at such a low temperature there are
found strong intermolecular forces (Strong hydrogen bonding). Because of strong
associations, water vapors don’t behave ideal at 273K.
Van der Waal’s Equation for Real Gases
36. Pressure of ammonia gas at given conditions is less as calculated by Vander Waal equation
than that calculated by general gas equation. Why?2012
Ans. Van der Waal’s equation accounts for intermolecular forces which decrease the observed
pressure of a gas. So pressure of NH3 gas calculated with this equation shall be mathematically
lesser as compared to the value of pressure calculated from Ideal gas equation PV=nRT. van
der Waal’s equation is as follows.
p+n 2a  (V – nb ) = nRT
2

 V 
37. What is physical significance of Vander Waal’s constants ‘a’ and ‘b’.
Ans. Physical significance of van der Waal’s constant “a”:
‘a’ is the attraction per unit volume and is called co-efficient of attraction for one mole of
gas. Its value depends directly upon the strength of intermolecular forces. Greater the value
of ‘a’ stronger the attractive forces and greater the non-ideal behavior.
Physical significance of van der Waal’s constant “b”:
“b” is effective volume per mole and is also called excluded or incompressible volume. Its
value depends upon the size of gas molecules. Greater the size of molecules, greater value of
“b”, greater the non-ideal behavior.

Plasma and its applications

38. Define Plasma. Give its applications. 2011,2013,2015
Ans. The applications of plasma are as follows:
i. Fluorescent light bulb:
It has long glass tube filled with a gas which becomes plasma due to electrical energy
and this plasma provide energy to powdered phosphorus compound coated on inner glass
walls. That compound glows giving white light.
ii. Neon signs:
These are tubes filled with Neon gas. Electrical energy converts neon gas to plasma.
Neon plasma produces bright red light due to which whole sign board looks beautiful and
bright.

39. Where do natural and artificial plasma exist? 2018

Ans.
Natural Plasma:
The entire universe is almost plasma. they are found in everything from sun to quarks.
Othe examples are auroras, lightning bolts etc. Natural plasma exists only at very high
temperatures, or low temperature vacuums
Artificial Plasma
 Artificial plasma can be created by ionization of a gas, as in neon signs. Fluorescent light
bulbs and neon advertisement signs are good examples of plasma.

40. Write two characteristics of plasma. 2018,2019,2021,2022

Ans. The characteristics of plasma are as follows.
a. Plasma has charged particles so it responses to electric and magnetic fields. It is
unique because of this feature.
b. Macroscopically it is neutral as the number of positive ions is equal to the number of
electrons.
41. What are Neon advertisement signs?
Ans. Neon sign boards are filled with Neon gas. Electrical energy converts neon gas to
plasma. Neon plasma produces bright red light due to which whole sign board looks beautiful
and bright.
42. How is fluorescent light bulb different from ordinary light bulb?
Ans. A fluorescent light bulb is different from a regular light bulb because inside the long
tube of bulb there is a gas which becomes plasma due to electrical energy and this plasma
provide energy to powdered phosphorus compound coated on inner glass walls. That
compound glows in white light.
Long Questions
1. One mole of methane gas……(Example# 08) 2014,2019
2. A sample of nitrogen gas is enclosed in a vessel of volume 380 cm 3…..2019 (Example # 3).
2019,2022,2023
3. Describe Dalton’s law of partial pressures. Write its three applications. 2010
4. State and explain Graham’s law of diffusion of gases. 2011
5. Calculate the density of methane at STP. What happens to…(Example#4). 2012
6. 250 cm3 of hydrogen effuses 4 times more ……(Example#7) 2012
7. Write a note on Linde’s method of liquefaction. 2013,2018
8. Calculate the mass of 1dm3 of ammonia at…..(Example# 5)2014,2022,2023
9. How were pressure and volume corrected by van der Waal? 2015
10. Derive Boyle’s law and Charle’s law from kinetic equation of gases. 2018
11. Give Postulates of Kinetic Molecular Theory of Gases. 2021
12. State Charles’s law. Explain its experimental verification. 2021