The total pressure exerted by a mixture of the three gases, oxygen, nitrogen, and water vapor, is 742 mm of Hg. The partial pressure of oxygen and nitrogen in the sample are 581 mm of Hg and 143 mm of Hg respectively. What is the partial pressure of water vapor in this mixture?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The total pressure of a gas mixture is equal to the sum of the partial pressures of its components. Therefore, the partial pressure of water vapor can be calculated as 742 mm Hg (total pressure) - 581 mm Hg (oxygen) - 143 mm Hg (nitrogen) = 18 mm Hg.

The Total Pressure Exerted by a Mixture of the Three