The Molar Volume of a Gas

Concept sheet | Chemistry
Definition

The molar volume is the volume occupied by one mole of gas, whatever the type of gas, at a given temperature and pressure. It is expressed in |\text{L/mol}|.

According to Avogadro's law, the volume of a gas is directly proportional to its quantity of mole under constant temperature and pressure conditions, regardless of the gas in question. The space occupied by a gas does not therefore depend on its nature. Rather, it is determined by the quantity of particles it contains.

Experimental measurements have made it possible to determine the molar volume of a gas at standard experimental conditions (STP and SATP):

Experimental conditions ​Temperature Pressure​ Molar Volume
​STP
(standard temperature and pressure)
​|0\ \text{°C}| or |273\ \text{K}| |101.3\ \text{kPa}| ​|22.4\ \text{L/mol}|
SATP
(standard ambient temperature and pressure)
​|25\ \text{°C}| or |298\  \text{K}| |101.3\ \text{kPa}|​ ​|24.5\ \text{L/mol}|
 

The molar volume of a gas can be useful for converting a number of moles or a mass of a certain gas into units of volume, or vice versa. To do this, the gas must be at STP or SATP.

Example

At STP, what is the volume occupied by |8.0\ \text{g}| of nitrogen dioxide (|\text{NO}_{2}|)?

See solution

Example

How many bottles of |2\ \text{L}| could be filled with |2\ 225.6\ \text{g}| of carbon dioxide |(\text{CO}_{2})| at SATP?

See solution

Under other conditions, the molar volume of a gas can be determined using the ideal gas law and the following mathematical relationship:

Formula

||\frac{V}{n\,(1\ \text{mole})}=\frac{R T}{P}||

Example

What is the molar volume of an unknown gas which is contained in a sphere containing |1.3\ \text{L}| at |32.7\ \text{ºC}| and a pressure of |1.2\ \text{atm}|?

See solution