A container holds three gases: helium, argon, and xenon. The partial pressures are 0.450 atm helium and 0.350 atm argon. The total pressure is 3.00 atm. What is the partial pressure of xenon?

2 Answers
Meave60
Dec 1, 2014

The sum of the partial pressures is equal to the total pressure. #"P"_"total"# = #"P"_1# + #"P"_2# + #"P"_3#... .To calculate the partial pressure of one of the components of a mixture, subtract the sum of known partial pressures of the other components from the total pressure.

Given/Known:

#"P"_"He"# = 0.450atm

#"P"_"Ar"# = 0.350atm

#"P"_"total"# = 3.00 atm

Unknown:
#"P"_"Xe"#

Solution: Determine the sum of the partial pressures of helium and argon, then subtract the sum from the total pressure.

The sum of the partial pressures of He and Ar = 0.800atm.

#"P"_"Xe"# = 3.00atm - 0.800 = 2.20atm

Pratik B.
Dec 1, 2014

partial pressure = total pressure x mole fraction

for He: mole fraction(A)= 0.45/3=0.15atm
for Ar: mole fraction (B)=0.35/3=0.117atm

sum of mole fractions =1
(C)=1-(0.15+0.117)

partial pressure of Xe= 3 x C
=2.199 atm

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