Effect of Temperature on the Volume of a Gas and the Determination of the Universal Gas Constant

Larrie Antoni B. Adaptar, Claire Jane V. Alvarez, and Gwen Hannah C. Ardiente

Group 4, Chem 19, LB1A, Asst. Prof. Arvin Marasigan

Submitted September 25, 2019

The Ideal Gas Law equation, together with the Kinetic Molecular Theory, provides the foundation of the
concepts of the physical characteristics of gases. With this, the experiment aims to investigate the (1)
relationship of temperature and volume at constant pressure, (2) determine the value of absolute zero
through extrapolation, and (3) determine the value of the Universal gas Constant R. For the first two
objectives, changes in volume were observed under varying temperatures in a sealed cylinder. The results
show that the relationship between temperature and volume is directly proportional. Moreover, due to the
linearity of the relationship, absolute zero was determined at -122.832°C by extrapolating the data through
the derived equation of the line. An error of 55.03% was incurred due to the experimental errors that were
introduced in the data. For the last objective, the value of R was determined by dissolving Magnesium in
HCl in a closed chamber. The pressure, volume, temperature and amount were calculated and were then
plugged into the Ideal Gas Law equation. The result yielded an R=0.0593 atm•l•mol-1•K-1 and error of 27.7%
due to experimental errors.

I. Keywords Ideal Gas Law, absolute zero temperature, universal gas constant

II. Introduction

The ubiquity of gases continues to be a forefront
topic in research as it plays an important role in a
myriad of technologies. Being surrounded by an
atmosphere of gas, understanding its properties
is therefore crucial in solidifying the fundamental
concepts of Chemistry. Gas distinguishes itself as
a separate state of matter as it assumes the
volume and shape of its container, is
compressible and mixes evenly with other gases
when confined in the same space (Cartwright &
Carpi, 2016; Silberberg, 2009). Compared to
solids and liquids, gases maintain a relatively
greater distance between molecules (Chang,
2010). Hence, gases at Standard Temperature
and Pressure (STP) have negligible
Intermolecular Forces of Attraction (IFA), and
tend to have low melting points, and low densities
(Bagley, 2016). Although the chemical properties
of gas are greatly dependent on its composition,
its physical properties on the other hand can be
characterized and expounded by the Kinetic
Molecular Theory and the Gas Laws.
The Kinetic Molecular Theory (KMT) is a model,
that was conceived by physicists that included
James Maxwell and Ludwigg Boltzmann, that
sought to explain the physical properties of gas at
the molecular level (Chang, 2010; Key & Ball,
2014). The KMT also includes five (5)
assumptions which state that: (1) the volume of
individual gas particles is negligible, (2) the gas
particles exhibit no IFA to each other, (3) gas
particles are in a state of random motion, (4)
collisions are elastic, and (5) the average kinetic
energy of a molecule is directly proportional to its
temperature (Lower, 2018). A practical use of the
KMT can be applied by employing it to explain the
mechanism behind the Gas Laws.
According to Silberberg (2019), the physical
characteristics of a gas can be described in terms
of its pressure (P), volume (V), amount (n), and
temperature (T). Additionally, these variables are
considered inter-dependent since any one of
them can be determined by measuring the other
three. Several laws describe the relationship
between these variables. One of which is Boyle’s
Law, which correlates the inverse relationship
1
between pressure and volume (𝑃 ∝ ) at
𝑉
constant temperature and pressure (Hall, Boyle's
Law, 2015). Another is Charles’ Law which shows
the proportionality between volume and
temperature (𝑉 ∝ 𝑇) at constant pressure and
amount of gas (Peshin, 2017). In addition, Gay-
Lussac’s Law states the proportionality between
the pressure and temperature (𝑃 ∝ 𝑇) at constant
volume and amount of gas (Hall, Charles and
Gay-Lussac's Law, 2015). Combining these three
laws will constitute the Combined Gas Law that
summarizes the relationship between pressure,
volume and temperature at constant amount
(Chang, 2010).
𝑃1 𝑉1 𝑃2 𝑉2
= (Equation 1)
𝑇1 𝑇2
Having previously stated that these four variables
are inter-dependent, combining pressure,
volume, temperature and amount of gas will
constitute the Ideal Gas Law equation which
takes in the form:
(Equation 2)
𝑃𝑉 = 𝑛𝑅𝑇
Where R is the universal gas constant with a value
of 0.0821 atm•L•mol-1•K-1 (Silberberg, 2009).
To verify the validity of the KMT and the Gas
Laws, the experiment aims to: (1) investigate the
effect of temperature on the volume of gas at
constant pressure, (2) approximate the value of
absolute zero, and (3) determine the value of the
universal gas constant. The water bath technique
was employed for the first and second objective.
A sealed syringe was dipped in water baths of
varying temperatures. The change in volume was
then measured and plotted against the
temperature in a graph. The x-intercept was
calculated, and the value represented the
absolute zero. For the third objective, a
Magnesium ribbon was dissolved in Hydrochloric
acid in a sealed chamber. The Pressure, volume,
number of moles, and temperature were
measured used to calculate the value of R
through the Ideal Gas Law equation.
This experiment is limited only to the relationship
of the volume and temperature—the Charles’
Law. Specifically, the temperature was limited to
50°C. Additionally, it is also limited to the
calculation R by dissolution of Magnesium in
Hydrochloric acid. Lastly, it is hypothesized that
the volume of the gas increases with its
temperature and that the value of R is the product
of pressure and volume divided by the product of
amount in moles and temperature.
III. Experimental
In the application of Charles’ Law, four (4) 400-
mL beakers were labeled and used to prepare
different setups of water bath, maintained at the
given temperature ranges, approximately 250 mL
of the components which are as follows:
Table 1. Beakers with corresponding content and
temperature range
Beaker Contents Temp. (°C)
Crushed ice w/ 10
1 -5 to -10
spoons of NaCl
Crushed ice w/ NaCl
0
and water
2 Crushed ice w/ water 15 to 20
3 Hot water 30 to 35
4 Hot water 45 to 50
Adding ice, salt, or hot water were options in
maintaining the temperature of each setup. At the
same time, a 5 mL syringe was modified—the
needle was disposed of, the rubber gasket of the
plunger was applied with petroleum jelly, and the
end of the syringe was heat-sealed. Prior to the
experiment proper, it was filled with air until 5 mL
or half of the syringe.
The syringe was then immersed in the water
baths for two (2) minutes. After which, the plunger
was pushed, and the volume was recorded once
the reading stabilized. Alongside the volume, the
temperature was also recorded. Data were
gathered and put in a scatter plot, which was then
analyzed through linear regression. This was
done to determine the relationship between
volume and temperature. With this chart, the
experimental value of absolute zero was
calculated through the extrapolation of the x-
intercept.
In the determination of the universal gas constant
R, the setup involved placing a 0.2 to 0.4 cm
magnesium ribbon into the bent part of a paper
clip that is securely locked in a cork stopper. A
graduated cylinder was filled with 4 mL of 3.0 M
of hydrochloric acid (HCl) and was then filled to
the tip with distilled water. The cork assembly was
securely inserted into the cylinder and flipped
down into the 400-mL beaker with 300 mL of
distilled water.
For a period of five (5) minutes, the magnesium
ribbon reacted with the cylinder’s contents and
the observations were recorded. These
observations include the identity of the gas
produced, its volume to the nearest 0.01 mL and
the water temperature in the beaker. One more
trial of this was done for averaging purposes.
Afterwards, the corrected pressure was
calculated using this formula:
𝑃𝑔𝑎𝑠 = 𝑃𝑎𝑡𝑚 − 𝑃𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 (Equation 3)
Actual Absolute Zero (°C) -273.15
The approximate value of the absolute zero was
obtained through extrapolating the line to a point
where the volume of the air is zero. In order to do
so, first, the equation of the line was derived; with
the volume of gas as y values and the
temperature of the water bath as x. Using this
method, the researchers determined that the
experimental absolute zero from the data set was
-122.83°C.
4

Volume (mL)
3

The atmospheric pressure was determined using 2

a barometric pressure app, while the water vapor 1 y = 0.0173x + 2.1252
pressure was taken from a table that determines R² = 0.8795
it at the indicated temperature. 0
-20 0 20 40 60
IV. Results Temperature (°C)

In this experiment, the researchers investigated

the effect of temperature on the volume of gas at Figure 1. Effect of temperature on volume
constant pressure, approximated the value of
Table 3. Determination of Universal Gas Constant
absolute zero through extrapolation, and
determined the value of the universal gas Trial 1 Trial 2 Ave.
constant, R. To complete such, the experiment
was divided into two parts; (a) proving the Charles Length of
Law and (b) determination of the universal gas Mg Ribbon 0.300 0.300 0.300
constant, R. The results of each part of the (cm)
experiment were tabulated to organize the raw
data. Mass Mg 0.00533 0.00533 0.00533
Ribbon (g) 6 6 6
Table 2. Volume change from temperature change

Beaker Temp (°C) Volume (mL) Volume of

0.0042 0.0041 0.00415
Gas (L)
-8.0 2.10
1 Temperatur
0.0 2.15 302.9 302.5 302.7
e of Gas (K)
2 15.0 2.20
Vapor
3 34.0 2.60 Pressure of 0.0418 0.0418 0.0418
Water (atm)
4 47.0 3.10
Corrected
y = 2.125 + Pressure of 0.94988 0.94988 0.94988
Equation of the Line Gas
0.0173x

Experimental Absolute Moles of Mg 2.195 x 2.195 x 2.195 x

-122.83
Zero (°C) used 10-4
10 -4
10 -4

Moles of H 2 2.195 x 2.195 x 2.195 x
produced 10 -4
10 -4
10 -4
Calculated
Gas
Constant, R 0.059329
Percent
(0.0825 - 0.59329) x 100 = 28%
Error (%)
To calculate for the gas constant R the
researchers conducted two trials for the second
part of the experiment. The average values were
derived and were used to compute. On average,
the length of the Mg ribbon was 0.300cm while its
mass is 0.005336g. The volume of gas at 302.7K
was 0.00415L. Using the aforementioned, the
corrected pressure of gas, moles of Mg used, and
moles of H produced were determined. The gas
2 From this equation the x-intercept was
constant R in the experiment was computed at
0.0593 L•atm•K-1•mol-1 using the derived values.
It was then compared to the theoretical gas
constant, 0.0825 L•atm•K-1•mol-1, to calculate the
percent error of the experiment which resulted to
27.7%.
V. Discussion
The first part of the experiment tested the validity
of Charles’ Law by examining the effect of
temperature on the volume of a gas. The results
show a direct proportionality between
temperature and volume. In that, increasing the
temperature also increases the volume and vice
versa. The results are parallel to the definition set
by Chang (2010) and Silberberg (2009), wherein
the volume occupied by any sample of gas at
constant pressure is directly proportional to its
absolute temperature. Moreover, the rationale of
the relationship can be explained through the lens
of the Kinetic Molecular Theory. The theory states
that increasing the temperature raises the
average kinetic energy of the molecules (Lower,
2018). Following the analogy, If the molecules are
moving at a more rapid rate, and the pressure is
held constant, the molecules tend to move farther
away from each other. As a result, this increases
the volume of the space occupied by the gas
(Blaber & Lower, 2019).
As shown in the results, the linear progression
model yielded an R2=0.8795. Having a relatively
high R2 value indicated that the response in
volume was directly caused by the temperature.
This is supported by Ebbing and Gammon
(2009), which they purported that the relationship
between temperature and volume can be plotted
linearly. Following its linearity, the x-intercept or
the temperature at which the volume of the gas is
zero (0) can be extrapolated. The value of the x-
intercept represents the Absolute zero—which is
the temperature at which there is zero (0) kinetic
energy in the molecules, essentially having no
motion and heat (IPAC, n.d.). In order to arrive to
the value, the equation of the line was determined
through the MS Excel. In the results, the equation
of the line was:
(Equation 4)
𝑦 = 0.0173𝑥 + 2.1252
extrapolated at a value of -122.84°C. Comparing
the results with the theoretical value of Absolute
zero (-273.15°C), there is a significant percent
error of approximately 55.03%. The error in the
data could be attributed to experimental errors
stemming from insufficient lubrication of the
syringe or that the syringe could not have been
fully airtight.
For the determination of the Universal gas
constant, the value was derived from Hydrogen
gas that evolved from dissolution of Hydrochloric
acid. The four (4) inter-dependent variables were
measured namely: pressure (P), temperature (T),
amount in moles (n), and volume (V). Specifically,
the value for n was determined stoichiometrically
from the mass of the Magnesium. The
temperature and the volume were respectively
measured according to its corresponding reading
from the thermometer and graduated cylinder. On
the other hand, the pressure had to be corrected
due to the presence of water which exerted
additional vapor pressure on the pressure of the
gas. The yielded values were plugged in to the
Ideal Gas Law equation in the form:
𝑃𝑉 = 𝑛𝑅𝑇 (Equation 5)
The R was isolated, and the result yielded a value
of 0.593 atm•L•mol-1•K-1. Comparing the result
with the theoretical value of the Universal Gas
Constant, there is a significant error of
approximately 27.7%. The error incurred could be
attributed to the experimental errors stemming extbook_Maps/Supplemental_Modules_
from the inaccurate measurement of the four (Physical_and_Theoretical_Chemistry)/
quantities. Additionally, errors could have been Physical_Properties_of_Matter/States_o
caused by the early measurement of the volume. f_Matter/Properties_of_Gases/Kinetic_T
As the reaction is exothermic, the gas may have heory_of_Gases/Basics_of_Kinetic
expanded due to the heat produced from the
reaction. Cartwright, M., & Carpi, A. (2016). Physical
States and Properties: States of Gases.
VI. Conclusions and Recommendations Retrieved from Visionlearning:
https://www.visionlearning.com/en/librar
Among the three phases or states of matter, y/Chemistry/1/Properties-of-Gases/245
gases are the most complex. Gases are highly
compressible and behave this way due to their Chang, R. (2010). Chemistry. New York:
relatively weak intermolecular forces of attraction; McGraw-Hill.
thus, its molecules are constantly moving
independently from the other molecules present. Hall, N. (2015, May 5). Boyle's Law. Retrieved
With these, it can be understood that this state of from National Aeronautics and Space
matter covers a wider scope of study. Administration:
In this experiment, the researchers were https://www.grc.nasa.gov/www/k-
able to conclude three main points using the 12/airplane/boyle.html
experiment design; namely, (1) at constant
pressure, a gas would expand or fill a larger Hall, N. (2015, May 5). Charles and Gay-Lussac's
volume with increasing temperature, (2) the value Law. Retrieved from National
of the experimental absolute zero temperature Aeronautics and Space Administration:
may differ from the actual absolute zero, - https://www.grc.nasa.gov/www/k-
273.15°C, and (3) the calculated gas constant 12/airplane/glussac.html
from the experiment may also vary from the
universal gas constant R, 0.0825 atm•L•mol-1•K- IPAC. (n.d.). What is Absolute Zero? Retrieved
1.The latter two points can be accounted as the
from Cool Cosmos:
gases may not be in its ideal state and http://coolcosmos.ipac.caltech.edu/ask/2
experimental errors may be introduced in the
98-What-is-absolute-zero-
data.
For future studies focused on gases, the Key, J., & Ball, D. (2014, September 16). Kinetic
researchers recommend to (1) consider other Molecular Theory of Gases. Retrieved
experimental factors (i.e. temperature, from Introductory Chemistry- 1st
atmospheric pressure, etc.) outside the system in
Canadian Edition:
order to account for discrepancies or errors in the
https://opentextbc.ca/introductorychemis
experiment. And (2) to consider examining the
effect of temperature employing other gases. try/chapter/kinetic-molecular-theory-of-
gases-2/

VII. Reference Lower, S. (2018, July 5). Gas Molecules in

Motion: Introduction to Kinetic-Moleculat
Theory. Retrieved from Chem 1 Virtual
Textbook:
Bagley, M. (2016, January 8). Properties of http://www.chem1.com/acad/webtext/ga
Matter: Gases. Retrieved from s/gas_4.html#SEC1
Livescience:
https://www.livescience.com/53304- Peshin, A. (2017). What is Charles Law?
gases.html Retrieved from Science ABC:
https://www.scienceabc.com/nature/univ
Blaber, M., & Lower, S. (2019, June 6). Basics of erse/charles-law-definition-formula-
Kinetic Molecular Theory. Retrieved from equation.html
Chemistry Libretexts:
https://chem.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/
Physical_and_Theoretical_Chemistry_T
Silberberg, M. S. (2009). Chemistry: The 𝑃𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑒𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑅
Molecular Nature of Matter and Change.
|0.0593 − 0.0821|
New York: McGraw-Hill. %= ∙ 100
0.0821
% = 27.7%
I hereby certify that I have given substantial
contribution to this report

Larrie Antoni B. Adaptar

Claire Jane V. Alvarez

Gwen Hannah C. Ardiente

Appendices

𝑃𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑒𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑎𝑏𝑠𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑡𝑒 𝑧𝑒𝑟𝑜

|0.0593 − 0.0821|
%= ∙ 100
0.0821
% = 55.03%

𝑇𝑒𝑚𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝐺𝑎𝑠 (𝐾)

𝑇1 = 29.77 + 273.15 = 302.9

𝑇1 = 29.35 + 273.15 = 302.5

𝐶𝑜𝑟𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝐺𝑎𝑠 (𝑎𝑡𝑚)

𝑇1 = 29.77 + 273.15 = 302.9

𝑀𝑜𝑙𝑒𝑠 𝑢𝑠𝑒𝑑

(5.336 ∙ 10−3 𝑔 𝑀𝑔) ∙ (1 𝑚𝑜𝑙 𝑀𝑔)

𝑇1 & 𝑇2 =
(24.305 𝑔 𝑀𝑔)

𝑇1 & 𝑇2 = 2.195 ∙ 10−4 𝑚𝑜𝑙 𝑀𝑔

𝑇1 & 𝑇2 = 2.195 ∙ 10−4 𝑚𝑜𝑙 𝐻2

𝐶𝑎𝑙𝑐𝑢𝑙𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑔𝑎𝑠 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑡 𝑅

(0.94988 𝑎𝑡𝑚)(0.00415 𝑙)
𝑅=
(2.195 ∙ 10−4 𝑚𝑜𝑙)(302.7 𝐾)
𝑎𝑡𝑚 ∙ 𝑙
𝑅 = 0.593
𝑚𝑜𝑙 ∙ 𝐾