Ideal Gas Constant

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.

sanguinee

Full Member
7+ Year Member
Joined
May 14, 2014
Messages
122
Reaction score
19
So the ideal gas constant is 8.314 J/molK or 0.0821 L*atm/mol*K. I understand there is a difference in units, but when do you use one vs the other? I'm assuming ideal gas law uses 0.0821 b/c the units have Liters in them.

Members don't see this ad.
 
Yes, it only depends on the units you are using.

In general, chemistry uses R = 0.0821 and physics uses R = 8.314.

In terms of the MCAT, you are correct that PV = nRT is R = 0.0821 due to units.

Anything that uses SI units will likely use 8.314, because these are in SI units (physics and gas kinetics).
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 user
Top