Ideal Gas Law Calculator (PV = nRT)

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Formula

PV = nRT
R = 8.31446 J/(mol·K). Temperature must be absolute (K).

Physics behind the ideal gas law

The ideal gas law combines Boyle's law (P·V constant at fixed T), Charles's law (V/T constant at fixed P) and Avogadro's law (equal volumes at equal conditions contain equal numbers of particles). It treats gas molecules as non-interacting point particles — accurate for most gases at moderate conditions. At STP (1 atm, 273.15 K), one mole of ideal gas occupies about 22.414 L.

Worked example

n = 1 mol, T = 273.15 K, P = 1 atm

V = nRT/P = 1 · 8.31446 · 273.15 / 101325
  ≈ 0.022414 m³ = 22.414 L

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FAQs

What is the ideal gas law?

PV = nRT.

What is R?

8.314 J/(mol·K), or 0.08206 L·atm/(mol·K).

When does it fail?

At very high pressure or very low temperature.