Chem 1406, Dr. Cooke

 

Gay-Lussac Law (Pressure vs Temperature)

Analysis of Data

 

1.         Construct a graph of pressure (y-axis) vs Celsius temperature (x-axis) using a computer spreadsheet program, such as Microsoft® Excel.
Suggestions for using Excel:

a.         Open a new blank workbook.

b.         Title 1st column with the name of your x-variable, such as “Celsius Temperature” or “°C.”

c.         Enter the observed Celsius temperatures as measured in class in this column.  (There should be no blank rows between the title and the data or within the data.)

d.         Title 2nd Column with the name of your y-variable, such as “Pressure, lb/in2” or “Pressure, kPa.”

e.         Enter observed pressures in the 2nd column, corresponding to the temperatures.

f.          Select the information to be charted by dragging the cursor through the data area including titles, beginning at the upper left corner and ending at the lower right corner.

g.         While the data is still selected (if inadvertently unselected, redo step “f”), click on Insert from the main menu and then Chart and select “XY (Scatter).”  Then, click on the chart Sub Type that you prefer (the first option with points only, no connecting lines, is recommended).

h.         Click on Next  and  Next again for the next two dialog (option) boxes.

i.           Enter a chart title of your preference that includes your name and descriptive titles for the x (temperature) and y (pressure) values.  You may also make changes to the gridlines on the chart at this time.

j.           Click the Next button.

k.         Select As new sheet option for chart location and then Finish.

l.           Position the cursor on one of the data points and then right click  and select Add Trendline.

m.       Select Linear and then Options and input approximately “320” in the Forecast Backward box, followed by OK.

You may modify chart parameters by right-clicking on the desired area of the chart at any time.  To print the chart, go to File Print on the main menu or click on the Printer icon.

2.         From your graph, determine the temperature at which the pressure appears as if it would become zero and indicate this temperature on your chart.  Theoretically, this should be the absolute zero of temperature (-273.15 °C).  Also indicate this theoretical value on your chart.

3.         Convert your observed temperatures to Kelvins and calculate P/T (Kelvins) for each of the measurements.  Theoretically, this ratio should be constant from measurement to measurement.  How close does your data come to constancy in significant figures, 0, 1, 2, 3, etc?

4.         Submit your results from #3 and the graph, along with Experiment 13.A.1, using the modified data obtained in class.  Answer Experiment 13 questions Q.4, Q.5, Q.6, Q.7, Q.9, Q.10, Q.11, and Q.12.