Three identical flasks contain three different gases at standard temperature and pressure. Flask A contains flask B contains O₃, and flask C contains F₂. Which flask contains the largest number of molecules? A) flask A B) flask B C) flask C D) All contain the same number of molecules.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The expression given after each flask represents its chemical formula in base-16 notation, which is not useful in determining the identities of the gases or their molar masses. However, all three flasks are at the same temperature (273K) and pressure (1 atm), so the ideal gas law, PV=nRT, can be used to relate their volumes (assuming the flasks have the same volume) and the number of moles of gas they contain. Rearranging the equation yields n = PV/RT. Since P, V, and T are the same for all three flasks, the flask with the greatest number of molecules will be the one with the greatest value of n. Therefore, all three flasks contain the same number of molecules, and the correct answer is D.

Three Identical Flasks Contain Three Different Gases at Standard Temperature