15.1 greenhouse gases and 15.2 introducing properties of gases

vce unit 2 chem

PV=nRT

The ideal gas law equation relating pressure (P), volume (V), number of moles (n), the ideal gas constant (R), and temperature (T).

Greenhouse gases

Gases like CO2, CH4, and H2O that absorb and re-emit infrared radiation, contributing to the greenhouse effect.

Infrared radiation

A type of energy emitted by the sun that causes molecular vibrations in greenhouse gases, leading to heat retention in the atmosphere.

Global warming

The increase in average surface temperature due to the buildup of greenhouse gases from human activities.

Greenhouse effect

The process by which greenhouse gases trap some of the sun's heat energy in the lower atmosphere, maintaining a suitable climate for life.

Ideal gas approximation

A model that assumes gas molecules have no intermolecular forces, no individual volume, and do not exchange energy during collisions.

Pressure (p)

The force exerted by a gas on the walls of its container, quantified as force per unit area.

Pressure units

Pressure can be expressed in various units, including Pascals (Pa), kilopascals (kPa), and atmospheres (atm).

Standard laboratory conditions (SLC)

Defined conditions for experiments, specifically 298K (25°C) and 100kPa (0.987 atm).

Molar volume

The volume occupied by one mole of a substance at specified temperature and pressure, which is 24.8L mol^-1 for an ideal gas at SLC.

Gas properties

Gases differ from liquids and solids in volume, shape, compressibility, and ability to mix.