Texas A&M University (TAMU) CHEM107 General Chemistry for Engineering Students Exam 2 Practice

In the equation PV = mRT/MW, the symbol "m" represents the mass of the gas. This equation is derived from the ideal gas law and is often rearranged to express the relationship between pressure (P), volume (V), and other properties of a gas.

In this context, "m" is specifically the amount of substance measured in mass units, such as grams. The term MW stands for molecular weight, which indicates how much one mole of that gas weighs. By using the mass alongside the gas constant (R) and adjusting for the molecular weight, you can relate the physical properties of the gas (such as its pressure and volume) to its mass in a meaningful way.

Understanding this relationship is crucial when dealing with problems involving gases, as it allows you to calculate quantities based on mass, which is often easier to measure in experimental settings. Recognizing that "m" refers to mass clarifies the overall understanding of how gases behave under various conditions.