Prout density
William Prout reported that the density of a certain gas was 2.118 grains per 100 cubic inches at 60°F and a pressure of 30 inches Hg.
1) Express the gas density in units of grams per liter. The following conversion factors may be handy:
1 grain = 0.0648 grams
1 inch = 2.54 cm
Celsius temperature = (5/9)(Fahrenheit temperature - 32)
1 inch Hg = 25.4 torr and 760 torr = 1 atm
2) How many moles of an ideal gas would fill 100 cubic inches at 60°F and a pressure of 30 inches Hg?
3) What is the molar mass of this gas? Make a guess at the identity of the gas.
References
William Prout, "On the Relation between the Specific Gravities of Bodies in their Gaseous State and the Weights of their Atoms," Annals of Philosophy 6, 321-30 (1815); "Correction of a Mistake in the Essay on the Relation between the Specific Gravities of Bodies in their Gaseous State and the Weights of their Atoms," Annals of Philosophy 7, 111-3 (1816): both published anonymously
Copyright 2003 by Carmen Giunta. Permission is granted to reproduce for non-commercial educational purposes.
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