Help is needed for converting units of a simple formula

In summary, the conversation revolves around converting a volume mixing ratio or a mol/mol ratio to the units of molecules/cm3. The temperature and air density are given, and the goal is to find the number of molecules in one cm3 of the gas. The ideal gas formula and Avogadro's hypothesis are mentioned, but more details are needed to provide a solution.
  • #1
han_123
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please post this type of questions in the homework forums, filling out the template
How would you convert a volume mixing ratio [m3/m3] to the units of [molecules/cm3]? The temperature is given to be 293K and the air density is 1 kg/m3. Please help!
 
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  • #2
[m3/m3] has no physical dimension but [molecules/cm3] has physical dimension of L^-3. I am afraid some more details of the exercise are required to help you.
 
  • #3
Do you know Avogadro's hypothesis?

And do you know how to convert gas volume to number of moles? Number of moles to number of molecules?
 
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  • #4
Borek said:
Do you know Avogadro's hypothesis?

And do you know how to convert gas volume to number of moles? Number of moles to number of molecules?
Hi! Well not exactly. I know there is the ideal gas formula PV = nRT and that a mole contains the Avogadro number of molecules.

However, I am confused about how to convert a volume mixing ratio [m3/m3] or [mol/mol] to the units of [molecules/cm3] when only the temperature is given to be 293K and the air density is 1 kg/m3.

The goal is to find whenever a gas is mixed into an airspace at a certain ratio then how many molecules of that gas are to be found in one cm3.
 
  • #5
anuttarasammyak said:
[m3/m3] has no physical dimension but [molecules/cm3] has physical dimension of L^-3. I am afraid some more details of the exercise are required to help you.
The volume mixing ratio can also be given in [mol/mol]. How do you convert a mol of gas into the number of molecules when only the air density and temperature are given?

The goal is to find whenever a gas is mixed into an airspace at a certain ratio then how many molecules of that gas are to be found in one cm3.
 
  • #6
Hint: density at a given temperature is enough to find the pressure.
 

Related to Help is needed for converting units of a simple formula

1. How do I convert units in a simple formula?

To convert units in a simple formula, you need to know the conversion factors between the units you are converting from and to. Multiply or divide the quantities in your formula by these conversion factors to get the desired units.

2. What is a conversion factor?

A conversion factor is a ratio that expresses how many of one unit are equal to another unit. For example, 1 inch is equal to 2.54 centimeters, so the conversion factor from inches to centimeters is 2.54.

3. Can you provide an example of unit conversion in a formula?

Sure! If you have a formula for speed, such as speed = distance/time, and you want to convert the speed from meters per second (m/s) to kilometers per hour (km/h), you would use the conversion factors 1 m = 0.001 km and 1 s = 1/3600 hours. So, speed (km/h) = speed (m/s) × 0.001 × 3600.

4. What should I do if my formula involves multiple units?

If your formula involves multiple units, you need to convert each unit separately using the appropriate conversion factors. Ensure that all the units are consistent before performing any calculations.

5. Are there tools available to help with unit conversions in formulas?

Yes, there are many online tools and calculators available that can help with unit conversions in formulas. Additionally, software like Excel and programming languages like Python have built-in functions and libraries for unit conversion.

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