A tank contains N_2 at 1.0 atm and O_2 at 2.0 atm. Helium is added to this tank until the total pressure is 6.0 atm. What is the partial pressure of the helium?

1 Answer
May 31, 2016

p_(He) = 3.0*atm

Explanation:

In a gaseous mixture, the partial pressure exerted by a gas is the same if that gas alone had occupied the container. The total pressure is the sum of the partial pressure.

We know that the total pressure is 6.0*atm; i.e. 6.0*atm = p_(N_2)+p_(O_2)+p_(He).

Since we have been given the other partial pressures, calculation of p_(He) is trivial.