NITROUS OXIDE

INTRODUCTION

The understanding of the behavior gases is an important aspect in chemistry. The origin of what are known today as the gas laws, started in 1643 with the invention of the barometer by Evangelisto Torricelli. Later, Robert Boyle published Boyle's Law. This law stated that at constant temperature the volume of a gas is inversely proportional to the pressure. The observations by Robert Boyle and other scientists such as Jacques Charles and John Dalton led to the development of the gas laws. In the late nineteenth century, the kinetic-molecular theory was developed by scientists. This theory is based on five assumptions that are used to explain the properties of ideal gases. An ideal gas is an imaginary gas that perfectly obeys these five assumptions.

  1. Gases consist of large numbers of tiny particles that are far apart relative to their size.
  2. Collisions between gas particles and between particles and container walls are elastic collisions.
  3. Gas particles are in constant, rapid, random motion. They therefore possess kinetic energy.
  4. There are no forces of attraction or repulsion between gas particles.
  5. The average kinetic energy of gas particles depends on the temperature of the gas.

Ideal gases do not actually exist, but most gases behave nearly ideally if the pressure is not very high or the temperature is not very low.

The Task

The gas nitrous oxide is to be investigated for its physical properties and its applications. Nitrous oxide is used for dentistry, diving, a propellant in items such as whipping cream and auto racing. Choose one of the applications and complete the worksheet. Resources to assist in answering the questions are given.

1. What is another name for nitrous oxide? [Go]

2. Write the formula for nitrous oxide. [Go]

3. List the physical properties of nitrous oxide (boiling point, critical temperature, etc.). [Go]

4. Write the reaction that was observed by Joseph Priestly. [Go]

5. What does standard temperature and pressure (STP) mean? [Go]

6. What volume does nitrous oxide occupy at STP? [Go]

For the application of nitrous oxide that you have chosen, answer the following questions using the resources given.

 

 What application of nitrous oxide did you choose?

 Write the chemical reaction that takes place during the application.

 What are the benefits of this application?

 What dangers does this application impose?

 Using the information gathered during this activity write a paragraph describing the application of nitrous oxide you chose.

General Facts

Molecule of the Month

Gas Laws

Dentistry

Molecule of the Month

Dental Site

Scuba Diving

Scuba Diving Explained

Introduction to Boyle's Law

Propellant

Nitrous Function

Auto Racing

Molecule of the Month

Racing with Nitrous

General Questions

 How does nitrous oxide contribute to global warming? [Go]

 List 4 ways in which nitrous oxide is produced? [Go]

Application of Boyle's Law

A cylinder contains 1,272 liters at a pressure of 56.5 atm (830 psi, pounds per square inch).

P1V1 = P2V2

 Determine the pressure of the tank when it contains 224 liters of nitrous oxide at the same temperature. [Go]

 

 By looking at the gauge on the cylinder, could you know how much nitrous oxide is in the cylinder? Explain. [Go]