Ideal gas law

Science

Definition

An equation of state that relates the pressure, volume, temperature, and number of moles of an ideal gas. It combines Boyle's law, Charles's law, and Avogadro's law into a single equation. Real gases behave most like ideal gases at high temperatures and low pressures.

Examples

  • Calculating the volume of a balloon at different altitudes
  • Determining the pressure inside a scuba tank
  • Predicting how a gas sample responds to temperature changes
Key Fact

PV = nRT, where R = 0.0821 L·atm/(mol·K) or 8.314 J/(mol·K)

Related Terms

Boyle's law Charles's law Phases of matter Concentration

Study This Concept

Practice ideal gas law with free review games in these units:

Chemistry Unit 6: States of Matter and Gas Laws