Gas Definition and 1000 Threads

Gas is one of the four fundamental states of matter (the others being solid, liquid, and plasma). A pure gas may be made up of individual atoms (e.g. a noble gas like neon), elemental molecules made from one type of atom (e.g. oxygen), or compound molecules made from a variety of atoms (e.g. carbon dioxide). A gas mixture, such as air, contains a variety of pure gases. What distinguishes a gas from liquids and solids is the vast separation of the individual gas particles. This separation usually makes a colorless gas invisible to the human observer. The interaction of gas particles in the presence of electric and gravitational fields are considered negligible, as indicated by the constant velocity vectors in the image.
The gaseous state of matter occurs between the liquid and plasma states, the latter of which provides the upper temperature boundary for gases. Bounding the lower end of the temperature scale lie degenerative quantum gases which are gaining increasing attention.
High-density atomic gases super-cooled to very low temperatures are classified by their statistical behavior as either Bose gases or Fermi gases. For a comprehensive listing of these exotic states of matter see list of states of matter.

View More On Wikipedia.org
Recent contents Top users
  1. Z

    DeltaG and DeltaA calculation for heating a gas at constant volume

    Summary:: Gibbs and Helmholtz energies calculations for heating an ideal gas at constant volume I am solving a problem involving an ideal gas that undergoes several chained changes of state. One of the steps asks to calculate the change in Gibbs Energy (DeltaG) and Helmholtz energy (Delta A)...
  2. T

    A Properties of Degenerate Electron Gas

    Basically the thread title. For some background, I'm trying to model laser-material interactions, where I'm assuming that the laser is interacting with a free electron gas (copper). To model the interaction, I need to determine the properties of the electron gas, such as the heat capacity...
  3. Limebat

    I What happens when gas is combusted while moving?

    If a combustible gas mixture (say O2 and H2 are combusted to form H2O) are already moving before combustion, what would happen? Intuition tells me the previous velocity (say the gas was moving 150 feet per second) would just add to the velocity achieved when standing still and then combusted...
  4. Kaguro

    Understanding the Differences Between Bose and Classical Gases

    In classical statistics, we derived the partition function of an ideal gas. Then using the MB statistics and the definition of the partition function, we wrote: $$S = k_BlnZ_N + \beta k_B E$$, where ##Z_N## is the N-particle partition function. Here ##Z_N=Z^N## This led to the Gibb's paradox...
  5. F

    Instantaneous Gas Compression: temperature increase?

    If I a have a gas confined in a certain initial volume Vin at a certain pressure Pin and at a certain temperature Tin, and istantaneously compress it down to a final volume Vfin < Vin, how do I calculate the increase in temperature? Assume I know the exact pressure curve (P vs. V). The system...
  6. S

    Confusion about energy conversion mechanisms in gas turbines

    Hello Gents, I am very confused about the working principle of gas turbines. I understand that air is first compressed in a compressor to obtain high pressure air at the inlet of turbine, but before air is introduced to the turbine, first it has to be heated to very high temperatures through...
  7. M

    Solving Unusual Problems: Using the Polytropic Ideal Gas Equation

    My teacher likes to make really weird problems. How can I start this problem? The only thing I thought of doing is using the polytropic ideal gas equation when cp= constant. (p2/p1)^k-1/k = T2/T1 and making p1 and t1 in each case the normal state of the lungs
  8. Like Tony Stark

    Determine Joule-Kelvin coefficient for gas given equations of state

    Hi ##\mu=\frac{\alpha TV–V}{N c_P}##. So, firstly, I have to calculate ##\alpha## and ##c_P##. So ##\alpha=\frac{1}{V} \frac{\partial V}{\partial T}## at constant ##P##. I can write ##U=PV##, then I replace it in the equation of ##T##, solve for ##V## and then I differentiate with respect to...
  9. P

    Thermodynamics problem (ideal gas law, kinetic theory, processes, etc.)

    It is a long problem, but it is simple to understand. I am having trouble with part A. My attempt: Pressure outside > pressure inside container. pV = constant (isothermal). At equilibrium, all gases are at atmospheric pressure. Because it is quasi-static, the pressures of both compartments are...
  10. Domuks

    How do I find average kinetic energy if I don't have mass of the gas?

    So always in my problems i had mass (M) but now i don't and it seems impossible to solve this problem if I don't have mass I think i am missing something. I was looking for similar problems in my book and internet and didn't find any.
  11. Krokodrile

    Engineering Final volume of a gas using the ideal gas equations

    Hey there! for this problem i try to use the combinate gas ecuation. First of all the values its necesary to have it in absolutes: 70 F = 527.67 K 90 F = 549.67 K The ecuation looks like: (200 psig) (1 ft^3)/529.67 K = (0.3 InHg) V2/549.67 K I can eliminate "K" but not psig with InHg for obtain...
  12. Mayan Fung

    Relating the entropy of an ideal gas with partial derivatives

    It looks very easy at first glance. However, the variable S is a variable in the given expression. I have no clue to relate the partial derivatives to entropy and the number of particles.
  13. V

    Construction Gas Strut - ideal mounting position & Force Calculation

    I have a construction made from 4040 aluminum extrusion. The top frame is opening at 90deg with external hinge. the weight of the top is 6Kg The dimensions are 50X75cm externally and 42X67 internally (as the frame width is 4cm) If pictures with dimensions would help please let me know.
  14. T

    Equation of a sound wave with viscous damping in ideal gas

    How can we find a equation of a 1D sound wave in a non-differential form in an ideal gas with viscosity? How does the damping work? How does the wave lose energy at each layer as it propagates? To be clear I am looking for a simple exponential-sinusoidal function for it just in the case of...
  15. L

    Engineering Find the volume of a gas using Boyle's law

    Is this right go confused with the 37 degrees Q) pV = Constant pressure of a gas is ‘10’ (kPa) and the constant ‘37 degrees celcus’ = ‘0.6’, calculate the volume that the gas. pV = C C/p = V 0.6/10 = C V = 0.06
  16. M

    Engineering Gas turbine (mean line) analysis question

    Hi, I was attempting another turbomachinery question and am struggling with a few concepts. The question is: "A single stage gas turbine for power generation is designed for the following overall duty: - Power output is 4.2 MW, and mass flow rate is 70 kg/s - Inlet stagnation pressure = 3 bar...
  17. sliwinskit

    Cabinet with doors lifted by a gas spring

    Hello everybody. I'm trying to figure out how to calculate gas springs for specific doors not with hinge, but lifted up, like on the picture. Do anybody experience with such type of mechanism? Also I'm looking for helpful software, for gas spring calculation (different types). I found screens...
  18. L

    Engineering System Constants for Perfect Gas

    Q) I have to explain the relationships between system constants for a perfect gas. Hi can somebody explain this to me. I am kind of confused what this means and where to start and what to do. Also not 100% sure what a perfect gas is.
  19. L

    Pressure profile of a gas flow through an orifice

    Hello, The question will probably be related to mechanical engineering / chemical engineering / aeronautics. I come from the field of optics and have no background at all on fluid dynamics. I'm trying to calculate the dependence of pressure on distance, i.e. P(x) in a gas flow problem: I...
  20. mcas

    Find the change in entropy for an ideal gas undergoing a reversible process

    We know that $$dU=\delta Q + \delta W$$ $$dU = TdS - pdV$$ So from this: $$dS = \frac{1}{T}dU + \frac{1}{T}pdV \ (*)$$ For an ideal gas: $$dU = \frac{3}{2}nkdT$$ Plugging that into (*) and also from ##p=\frac{nRT}{V}## we get: $$S = \frac{3}{2}nk \int^{T_2}_{T_1} \frac{1}{T}dT +...
  21. Z

    What Is the Gaussian Distribution of an Ideal Gas?

    My attempt : $$P(n) = \frac{1}{\mathcal{Z}} Exp[(n\mu -E)/\tau]$$, use $$\lambda = e^{\mu/\tau}$$, then the distribution can be written as $$P(n) = \frac{1}{\mathcal{Z}} \lambda^nExp[-E/\tau]$$ Note that the average number of particle can be written as $$<N>= \lambda \partial \lambda ( log...
  22. P

    Rate of heat flux from from hot gas in a pipe to water outside

    I have solved the first 2 parts. For the 3rd part, I have obtained the equation: T(x) - T0 = (T1 - T0)e^(-Φx/fc), where f = fm in the question. How do I obtain that expression for H? Thank you!
  23. J

    Finding pressure of gas in u shaped tube with liquid

    The answer is suppose to be 0.9432. Initially I thought the pressure inside the glass ball would just be the same as the atmospheric pressure because these equal pressures would cancel each other out, but obviously that's not true. I can calculate the density of the gas using the equation...
  24. B

    How Do You Determine The Number Of Moles In A Volume Of Gas?

    Sadly, I don't even know what I don't know. Could somebody generate a ballpark figure of how many moles of hydrogen you might have in a sphere 2 meters across, 75F and roughly 16 psi? Even with all that information I'm clueless. (I'll now resume twig-fishing for termites...)
  25. Z

    Entropy change for spontaneous/ irreversible gas expansion

    When trying to describe why the entropy goes up for a irreversible process, such as gas expanding into a vacuum, it seems fairly easy at a high level. the valve between the two chambers opens, the free expansion occurs, the pressure drops proportional to the volume change and the temp remains...
  26. D

    Chemistry Volume of a Gas from a thermal decomposition

    Ca(HCO3)2 -> CaCO3 + H2O + CO2 First I evaluate the moles of calcium carbonate (don't mind the units, just to save time) ##\frac {80.0}{40,00+12.01+3*16,00}= 0,799 mol## From the equation, correct me if I am wrong , one mole of CaCO3 is proportional to one mole of CO2, so from this I can...
  27. D

    Chemistry Ideal gas law problem with two cylinders

    my answer will be ##P_1=2 P_2## but I have some doubts, if that is correct or not
  28. PuzzledMonkey

    Mystery of Fizzing Gas Duster - Videos Included

    While using an ordinary gas duster (difluoroethane) to clean some electronics, I noticed something weird (see linked videos): After spraying the gas duster and placing it on a hard surface e.g. countertop, the can emits a fizzing noise. Picking up the can causes the fizzing to stop. The process...
  29. K

    Thermodynamics: Ideal gas model

    Do particles have air in between them in the ideal gas model? I think the answer is 'no, but I am not quite sure about the explanation. Is it because in an ideal gas model, the volume of the particles is negligible? Thank you.
  30. naviakam

    Black body radiation vs electric discharge in a gas

    Black body radiation formula contains power and exponential terms. Electric discharge in a gas results in the ion acceleration; the ion distribution comprises power and exponential terms too. Any connection between these two phenomena (i.e. black body and potential) could be established?
  31. M

    I Trying to get a physical understanding of a Fermi gas

    I would like to get a more physical interpretation of conduction electrons (fermi gas) in a metal. I imagine ionized valence electrons close to the ions, with the fermi level (highest energy electrons) of the gas participating in conduction. A point of confusion for me...the first ionization...
  32. L

    Thermodynamics: gas expansion formula or approximation error?

    FIRST TYPE: REVERSIBLE PROCESS At the temperature of 127 ° C, 1 L of CO2 is reversibly compressed from the pressure of 380 mmHg to that of 1 atm. Calculate the heat and labor exchanged assuming the gas is ideal. Q = L = - 34.95 J CONDUCT 380 mmHg = 0.5 atm L = P1 * V1 * ln (P1 / P2) = 0.5 * 1...
  33. S

    Position of piston related to ideal gas

    a. The piston will be at rest when all its kinetic energy converted into work to push the gas, so: $$\frac{1}{2}m_0 c^2=P_0. \Delta V$$ $$\frac{1}{2}m_0 \frac{29}{4} \frac{P_0.V_0}{m_0}=P_0.\Delta V$$ $$\frac{29}{8} V_0=\Delta V$$ $$\frac{29}{8} L_0 = L_0 - L$$ $$L=-\frac{21}{8} L_0$$ My...
  34. sandmanvgc

    (Dry) Volume Ideal Gas Law Calculation

    If the question was asking for (dry) volume, how would you do that?
  35. P

    Gas effusing through hole, working out time dependence

    Consider instead a thermally insulated container of volume V with a small hole of area A, containing a gas with molecular mass m. At time t = 0, the density is ##n_0## and temperature is ##T_0##. As gas effuses out through a small hole, both density and temperature inside the container will...
  36. I

    Gas Laws - pumped tires exploding at the top of a mountain

    When you pump a bicycle tire before riding up a mountain, the tires may explode. I think it is because of Boyle's law, where since the external pressure decreases, the volume of the tire is supposed to increase and it explodes. The solution says that as the air in the tire expands on heating...
  37. AndreasC

    Non-interacting gas in homogeneous gravitational field

    It even gives a hint, it says "consider two horizontal surfaces z1 and z2 and think about what thermodynamic equilibrium means for particles traveling from one surface to the other". This really trips me up because I am not sure what to do with this. Obviously in equilibrium the number of...
  38. P

    Gas in mercury manometer, finding its normal volume

    Some notation: - the difference between the heights of mercury, which is effectively the height of the mercury in the open end of the tube is ##h_{diff}## - the volume of gas inside the sealed off end is ##V_{inside}## - the volume of gas when let outside, "normal volume", is ##V_{outside}## -...
  39. P

    Kinetic Theory - A gas mixture effuses through a hole, find the pressure change

    So I know Dalton's law as stated above which I think is applicable in this question. Then I know the effusion rate is ##\frac{1}{4} n \bar{v}##, and from this we can make a differential for the time evolution of the number density of the gas in the container which is: ##\frac{dn}{dt} =...
  40. L

    Chemistry Partial pressure of He in this gas mixture

    My progress: P(HE) = 0.877*0.75/(0.75+0.5) = 0.5262 atm is this right?
  41. J

    Ideal gas law problem -- Pneumatic piston movement with air temperature changes

    I have come up with the change in height as 170 cm. My professor does not want to solve for the problem for a reason I do not understand. 170 cm is not part of the answer key. The answer according to the answer key is 65 cm. My attempt is: Initial temperature: p=F/A; (50 *9.8) / (pi * 0.05^2)...
  42. H

    I Transparency of a gas compared to a plasma

    I imagine an empty region of space, in between stars, or even galaxies. This void is filled only with a uniform distribution of hydrogen particles. I won't specify how dense this field is, but I would like to know which is more transparent to photons, a gas of hydrogen atoms, hydrogen...
  43. Kathhhriine

    How is the Ideal Gas Law Derived from Temperature and Pressure Relationships?

    I figured that T' is a common factor for both relationships and from there deduceted that T'=p2xt1/p1=v1xt2/v2. However, I don't understand how that can be further manipulated to PV=KT.
  44. T

    1420 MHz--- the emission frequency of cold hydrogen gas

    I recently finished reading Paul Davies book The Eerie Silence, which is a book about the SETI (Search for ExtraTerrestrial Intelligence) project. In The Eerie Silence, Davies says that scientists using radio telescopes to search for radio messages from space aliens set their radio telescopes...
  45. amilton

    I Why does a hydrogen gas tube produce a hydrogen atomic spectrum?

    To measure the atomic hydrogen spectrum people often uses hydrogen gas tubes as light source. Since the gas in the tube is the molecule ##H_2## , why we obtain the spectrum of atomic hydrogen? My guess is that because the voltage is so high, so that the molecules are totally dissociated. If...
  46. AndreasC

    I Help with an ideal gas canonical ensemble partition function integral

    Where does the volume even come from? Any help would be appreciated!
  47. SQUB

    Photoemission from a non-interacting electron gas

    I had another excercise of the long list of the same topic (solid state physic) where I need a bit of help. All other excercise where about interband transition, dispersion relation, refracting and absorption coefficient, x-rays and so on, and I managed to solve them or I think I will be able...
  48. Will26040

    How do you approximate between the Cp of a gas and a solid?

    I have the Cp of Benzoyl peroxide (BPO) in gas form (454.39 J/molK). What approximation could I make to find the Cp of solid BPO as I cannot find this info online? thanks
  49. Mikkel

    I At what wavelength do we observe ionized gas?

    Hello! My question is this: At which wavelength do we observe ionized gas? My understanding is this: An ionized gas is basically a soup of particles flying around, because of the extreme temperatures (plasma?). So if we have particles moving around with such high velocities, I would expect to...
  50. Mayan Fung

    I Fermi gas in relativistic limit

    In a statistical mechanics book, I learned about the degenerate pressure of a Fermi gas under the non-relativistic regime. By studying the low-temperature limit (T=0), we got degenerate pressure is ##\propto n^{5/3}## (n is the density). And then I was told that in astrophysical objects, the...
Back
Top