Q. 8.54 - An Introduction to General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry

Question

Suppose a mixture contains helium and oxygen gases. If the partial pressure of helium is the same as the partial pressure of oxygen, what do you know about the number of helium atoms compared to the number of oxygen molecules? Explain.

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

They have the same number of helium atoms to that of the oxygen molecules.

Step 1: Given Information

We need to explain the number of helium atoms compared to the number of oxygen molecules.

Step 2: Explanation

Pressure is directly proportional to the number of moles of gas. One mole of gas contains the same number of particles regardless of their identity.

The partial pressure of helium is the same as that of the partial pressure of oxygen, then the number of helium atoms is similar to the number of oxygen molecules.