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Lesson 29 · Molar volume at STP
The 22.4 promise
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The 22.4 promise

Run V=nRT/PV = nRT/P once at STP — standard temperature and pressure, 0 ∘C0\,^\circ\mathrm{C} (273 K) and 101.325 kPa — and out falls a number worth memorizing: one mole of ANY ideal gas rents 22.4 L22.4\ \mathrm{L}. Helium, oxygen, carbon dioxide — same rent, because ideal gas particles are all equally standoffish regardless of their size. So at STP the whole law collapses to V=n VmV = n \, V_m with Vm=22.4 L/molV_m = 22.4\ \mathrm{L/mol}, read aloud: V equals n V-m.

Now the fine print, which is where exams hunt: 22.4 is a promise made ONLY at STP. A warm room, a pressurized cylinder — the shortcut's contract is void, and PV=nRTPV = nRT collects the full fare. Before you reach for 22.4, check the conditions like you would check a coupon's expiry date. This lesson makes sure you do.

Vn

V=n VmV = n\,V_m

  • VV= Gas volume at STP (volume)
  • nn= Amount of gas (amount of substance)
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