CHEMISTRY · Multi-part · AP · Chemistry · Properties of Substances and Mixtures · Properties of Substances and Mixtures
Problem
Two identical, leak-proof weather balloons are filled at sea level—one with helium and the other with nitrogen—so that each contains the same number of moles of gas at 300 K and 1.0 atm. After inflation, both balloons are released and rise through the atmosphere.
(a) At the launch conditions of 300 K and 1.0 atm, explain in detail why helium more closely obeys the ideal-gas law than nitrogen.
(b) As the balloons ascend and the external pressure decreases, compare and explain any expected differences in the deviation from ideal behavior for the two gases at a temperature of 250 K high in the troposphere.
(c) Suppose the nitrogen-filled balloon were instead filled with xenon under the original launch conditions. Predict whether xenon would deviate more or less from ideal behavior than nitrogen at 300 K and 1.0 atm, and justify your answer.