Question

Helium-oxygen mixtures are used by divers to avoid the bends and are used in medicine to treat some respiratory ailments. What percent (by moles) of He is present in a helium-oxygen mixture having a density of 0.518 g/L at 25 ∘ C and 721 mmHg ?

Answer 1

Answer:

The percentage by mole of Helium present in the Helium-Oxygen mixture is = 66.6%

Explanation:

From General gas equation.

PV = nRT...............................  Equation 1

Where n = number of moles, V = volume, P = pressure, T = temperature, P = pressure, V = volume.

n = mass/molar mass .................. Equation 2

substituting equation 2 into equation 1.

PV = (mass/molar mass)RT

⇒ Mass/molar mass = PV/RT..................... Equation 3

But mass = Density × Volume

⇒ M = D × V.................... Equation 4

Where D = density, M = mass

Substituting equation 4 into equation 3

DV/molar mass = PV/RT............ Equation 5

Dividing both side of the equation by Volume (V) in Equation 5

D/molar mass = P/RT .............. Equation 6

Cross multiplying equation 6

D × RT = P × molar mass

∴ Molar mass = (D × RT)/P.................. Equation 7

Where D = 0.518 g/L , R = 0.0821 atm dm³/K.mol,

T = 25°C = 25 + 273 = 298 K,

P =721 mmHg = (721/760) atm= 0.949 atm

Substituting these values into equation 7

Molar mass = (0.518 × 0.0821 × 298)/0.949

Molar mass = 13.35 g/mole

The molar mass of the mixture is =13.35 g/mole

Let y be the mole fraction of Helium and 1-y be the mole fraction of oxygen.

∴ 13.35 = 4(y) + 32(1-y)

13.35 = 4y + 32 - 32y

Collecting like terms in the equation,

32y - 4y = 32 - 13.35

28y = 18.65

y = 18.65/28

y =0.666

y = 0.666 × 100 = 66.6%

∴The percentage by mole of Helium present in the Helium-Oxygen mixture is = 66.6%