In the gas equation PV = nRT, the value of n depends upon — States of Matter and Gaseous State Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

# Analysis of the Ideal Gas Equation: PV = nRT **Understanding what n represents:** In the ideal gas equation $PV = nRT$, the variable $n$ represents the **number of moles** of gas present. **Step-by-step reasoning:** 1. **Definition of n:** By definition, $n$ = (mass of gas)/(molar mass of gas). It quantifies the amount of substance in moles. 2. **What n depends on:** - The **mass of the gas sample** – more gas means more moles - The **identity of the gas** – different gases have different molar masses - Together: $n = \frac{m}{M}$ where $m$ is mass and $M$ is molar mass 3. **What n does NOT depend on:** - Pressure, volume, or temperature (these are separate variables in the equation) - These variables change as conditions change, but $n$ remains constant for a fixed amount of gas 4. **Conclusion:** The value of $n$ depends on **the quantity and type of gas** present in the system. **Answer A** correctly identifies that $n$ depends on the amount/mass of gas and its molar mass (or simply: the number of moles of the gas substance).