In a mixture of gases, the pressure exerted by the individual gas is called — States of Matter and Gaseous State Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

# Partial Pressure of Gases The pressure exerted by an individual gas in a mixture of gases is called its **partial pressure**. ## Step-by-Step Explanation: **1. Definition from Dalton's Law:** Each gas in a mixture behaves independently and exerts pressure as if it alone occupied the entire volume. **2. Mathematical Expression:** $$P_{\text{total}} = P_1 + P_2 + P_3 + ... + P_n$$ where $P_i$ represents the partial pressure of each individual gas. **3. Key Principle:** The partial pressure of a gas depends only on: - Number of moles of that gas - Temperature - Volume of the container It is **independent** of the presence of other gases. **4. Why "Partial Pressure" is Correct:** - "Partial" emphasizes that it's only the contribution from **one component** of the mixture - Each gas exerts a "part" of the total pressure ## Common Alternative Terms (Why Others Are Wrong): - **Total pressure** — sum of all individual pressures - **Vapor pressure** — specific to liquids in equilibrium with their vapor - **Osmotic pressure** — related to solute concentration in solutions **Answer: B — Partial Pressure**