Value of Gas Constant Formula: Detailed Explanation
The value of the gas constant, denoted as R, is approximately 8.314 joules per mole-kelvin (J/mol·K) or 0.0821 liter-atmospheres per mole-kelvin (L·atm/mol·K).
Sawat Sayyed19 Sept, 2023
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Value of Gas Constant In its simplest form, matter exists in the gaseous state. Highly compressible, it is evenly dispersed with no fixed shape or volume, taking on whatever the container it's placed into holds. Its molecules interact very little, making gas highly mixable and responsive to certain laws that govern its behavior when exposed to different conditions such as pressure, temperature, and volume. These laws were developed based on the many experiments conducted concerning these properties.
The gas constant is a physical constant denoted by R and is expressed in units of energy per temperature increment per mole. It is also known as the ideal gas constant, the molar gas constant, or the universal gas constant. Unlike the Boltzmann constant, the gas constant value is expressed as a pressure-volume product instead of energy per unit increase in temperature per particle.Also Check - Malic Acid Formula
Introduction to Gas Constant
The gas constant is the general constant in equations of a gaseous state that is equal to the product of the pressure and volume of one mole divided by the absolute temperature of a mole. Other scientific names for the gas constant include Molar, Universal, and Ideal Gas Constant. Its symbol is R. In contrast to the Boltzman constant, the gas constant represents energy per degree of temperature increment per mole. Boltzmann Constant is defined as the proportional factor that relates particles' average relative kinetic energy and the temperature in a gas. Particle value is used instead of mole value (product of volume and pressure). This constant is used as a combination constant in many laws and as a fundamental factor in equations.Also Check - Iron (III) Hydroxide Formula
Boyle's Law - It demonstrates that as a gas's volume decreases, its pressure increases; mathematically, it is expressed as P being inversely proportional to V. Charles Law - It states that at constant pressure, an increase in temperature will cause the volume of a gas to expand - shown mathematically by V being proportional to T. Building upon these two laws, Avogadro's Law - This suggests that equal volumes of all gases, regardless of the number of molecules they contain, at the same temperature and pressure have the same amount.Also Check - Lead (II) Chloride Formula
Gay Lussac’s Law - It complements this by asserting that when the size remains fixed, a temperature change directly influences the pressure of any given mass of gas.Value of Gas Constant
As a proportionality constant in physics, the gas constant relates the energy scale to the temperature scale when considering one mole of particles at a specific temperature. As a result, the ideal gas constant R equals the combination of Boyle's law, Avogadro's number, Charles' law, and Gay-Lussac's law. The gas constant R is 8.3144598(48) J⋅mol−1⋅K−1 PV=RT is, however, only valid at low temperatures. In the case of dilute gases, the equation will be as follows: With increasing pressure, on a constant volume of gas, the temperature can be seen to increase linearly. This is known as the Absolute Temperature.Also Check - Periodic Acid formula
Value of Gas Constant in Different Units
Various disciplines use the gas constant inversely, so it can be expressed in various units. You can find some gas constant values in different units below:| Gas Constant Value | Units |
| 8.3144598(48) | J⋅K−1⋅mol−1 |
| 8.3144598(48)×103 | amu.m2.s-2.K-1 |
| 8.3144598(48)×10−2 | L.bar.K-1.mol-1 |
| 8.3144598(48) | m3.Pa.K-1.mol-1 |
| 62.363577(36) | L.Torr.K-1.mol-1 |
| 1.9872036(11)×10−3 | kcal.K-1.mol-1 |
| 8.2057338(47)×10−5 | m3.atm.K-1.mol-1 |
| 0.082057338(47) | L.atm.K-1.mol-1 |
Value of Gas Constant Formula FAQs
What is the gas constant, R?
The gas constant, R, is a fundamental physical constant that relates the properties of gases. Its value is approximately 8.314 joules per mole-kelvin (J/mol·K).
What are the units of the gas constant, R?
The units of the gas constant, R, can vary depending on the context, but commonly used units are joules per mole-kelvin (J/mol·K) and liter-atmospheres per mole-kelvin (L·atm/mol·K).
How is the gas constant used in the ideal gas law?
The gas constant, R, appears in the ideal gas law, PV = nRT, where P is pressure, V is volume, n is the number of moles, T is temperature in Kelvin, and R ensures the equation is dimensionally consistent.
Are there different values of the gas constant for different gases?
No, the gas constant, R, is a universal constant and has the same value for all gases under standard conditions.
Can I use the gas constant in different units, like cal/mol·K or atm·L/mol·K?
Yes, you can express the gas constant in various units, such as cal/mol·K or atm·L/mol·K, by using appropriate conversion factors, but the numerical value remains the same (around 8.314 J/mol·K).
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