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Amedeo Avogadro

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Amedeo Avogadro

Avogadro’s law , a statement that under the same conditions of temperature and pressure , equal volumes of different gases contain an equal number of molecules . This empirical relation can be derived from the kinetic theory of gases under the assumption of a perfect (ideal) gas . The law is approximately valid for real gases at sufficiently low pressures and high temperatures.

What is Avogadro's law?

The specific number of molecules in one gram- mole of a substance, defined as the molecular weight in grams, is 6.02214076 × 10 23 , a quantity called Avogadro’s number , or the Avogadro constant . For example, the molecular weight of oxygen is 32.00, so that one gram-mole of oxygen has a mass of 32.00 grams and contains 6.02214076 × 10 23 molecules.

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The volume occupied by one gram-mole of gas is about 22.4 litres (0.791 cubic foot) at standard temperature and pressure (0 °C, 1 atmosphere) and is the same for all gases, according to Avogadro’s law.

The law was first proposed in 1811 by Amedeo Avogadro , a professor of higher physics at the University of Turin for many years, but it was not generally accepted until after 1858, when an Italian chemist, Stanislao Cannizzaro , constructed a logical system of chemistry based on it.

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Avogadro’s Law – Definition, Formula, Examples

Avogadro's Law

Avogadro’s law states the volume of an ideal gas is directly proportional to the number of moles of gas , under conditions of constant temperature and pressure. As the number of moles of a gas increase, the volume increases proportionally. This is independent of the size of the gas particles or their molar mass, so gases of different elements and compounds are comparable to one another.

Of course, as with any ideal gas law , the behavior of real gases deviates slightly from predicted behavior. The law assumes each gas particle has no volume and that particles bounce off each other and their container in perfectly elastic conditions. Real gas molecules have volume and may be attracted or repelled by one another. Even so, Avogadro’s law is a useful approximation that is reasonably accurate for real gases under normal conditions.

The law is named for Amedeo Avogadro . In 1812, Avogadro hypothesized that two ideal gas samples contained the same number of molecules if they were at the same temperature and pressure. For example, a vial of hydrogen gas and a vial of nitrogen gas contain the same number of molecules at the same volume, temperature, and pressure, even though the gases have different identities.

Avogadro’s law is also known as Avogadro’s hypothesis or Avogadro’s principle. It is related to the other ideal gas laws: Boyle’s law (1662), Charles’s law (1787) and Gay-Lussac’s law (1808). French physicist and mathematician André-Marie Ampère published the same law as Avogadro, but in 1814. In France, the relation was called Ampère’s hypothesis , Avogadro–Ampère hypothesis , or Ampère–Avogadro hypothesis .

Avogadro’s Law Formula

There are four common formulas representing Avogadro’s law, where V is volume, n is number of moles of gas, and k is a constant:

V ∝ n V/n = k V 1 /n 1 = V 2 /n 2 V 1 n 2 = V 2 n 1

Because volume and number of moles are directly proportional to one another, a graph of volume versus number of moles is a straight line, extending upward from the origin.

Example of Avogadro’s Law in Everyday Life

The best example of Avogadro’s law is blowing up a balloon. The balloon’s volume increases as you add moles of gas. Similarly, when you deflate a balloon, gas leaves the balloon and its volume shrinks.

Avogadro’s Law Example Problem

A 13.5 L volume of gas contains 0.000524 moles of nitrogen gas. Assuming the temperature and pressure of the gas remain unchanged, what volume does 0.00144 moles of the gas fill?

First, write down what you know and identify the unknown value:

V 1 = 13.5 L V 2 = ? n 1 = 0.000524 mol n 2 = 0.00144 mol

Next, plug the values into the Avogadro’s law formula and rearrange the equation to calculate the answer:

V 1 /n 1 = V 2 /n 2 13.5 L / 0.000524 mol = V 2 / 0.00144 mol V 2 / 0.00144 mol = 13.5 L / 0.000524 mol V 2 = (13.5 L / 0.000524 mol)(0.00144 mol) V 2 = 37.1 L

See another Avogadro’s law example problem .

  • Avogadro, Amedeo (1810). “Essai d’une manière de déterminer les masses relatives des molécules élémentaires des corps, et les proportions selon lesquelles elles entrent dans ces combinaisons”. Journal de Physique . 73: 58–76. English translation
  • Castka, Joseph F.; Metcalfe, H. Clark; Davis, Raymond E.; Williams, John E. (2002).  Modern Chemistry . Holt, Rinehart and Winston. ISBN 978-0-03-056537-3.
  • Scheidecker-Chevallier, Myriam (1997). “L’hypothèse d’Avogadro (1811) et d’Ampère (1814): la distinction atome/molécule et la théorie de la combinaison chimique”. Revue d’Histoire des Sciences (in French). 50 (1/2): 159–194. doi: 10.3406/rhs.1997.1277

Related Posts

  • States of Matter
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Avogadro's Law

What is avogadro’s law.

Avogadro’s law, also known as Avogadro’s principle or Avogadro’s hypothesis, is a gas law which states that the total number of atoms/molecules of a gas (i.e. the amount of gaseous substance) is directly proportional to the volume occupied by the gas at constant temperature and pressure.

Avogadro’s law is closely related to the ideal gas equation since it links temperature, pressure, volume, and amount of substance for a given gas.

Table of Content

Formula and graphical representation, molar volume of a gas, examples of avogadros law, what are the limitations of avogadro’s law, solved exercises on avogadro’s law, recommended videos.

  • Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs

Avogadro's Law

Avogadro’s law is named after the Italian scientist Amedeo Carlo Avogadro, who suggested that two dissimilar ideal gases occupying the same volume at a given (constant) temperature and pressure must contain an equal number of molecules.

At constant pressure and temperature, Avogadro’s law can be expressed via the following formula:

Where V is the volume of the gas, n denotes the amount of gaseous substance (often expressed in moles), and k is a constant. When the amount of gaseous substance is increased, the corresponding increase in the volume occupied by the gas can be calculated with the help of the following formula:

V 1 /n 1 = V 2 /n 2 ( = k, as per Avogadro’s law).

The graphical representation of Avogadro’s law (with the amount of substance on the X-axis and volume on the Y-axis) is illustrated below.

Avogadro's Law Graph

Here, the straight line (which indicates that the two quantities are directly proportional) passes through the origin, implying that zero moles of gas will occupy zero volume.

Avogadro’s law can be derived from the ideal gas equation, which can be expressed as follows:

  • ‘P’ is the pressure exerted by the gas on the walls of its container
  • ‘V’ is the volume occupied by the gas
  • ‘n’ is the amount of gaseous substance (number of moles of gas)
  • ‘R’ is the universal gas constant
  • ‘T’ is the absolute temperature of the gas

Rearranging the ideal gas equation, the following equation can be obtained.

V/n = (RT)/P

Here, the value of (RT)/P is a constant (since the temperature and pressure kept constant and the product/quotient of two or more constants is always a constant). Therefore:

Thus, the proportionality between the volume occupied by a gas and the number of gaseous molecules is verified.

As per Avogadro’s law, the ratio of volume and amount of gaseous substance is a constant (at constant pressure and temperature). The value of this constant (k) can be determined with the help of the following equation:

Under standard conditions for temperature and pressure, the value of T corresponds to 273.15 Kelvin and the value of P corresponds to 101.325 kilo Pascals. Therefore, the volume occupied by one mole of a gas at STP is:

Volume occupied by 1 mole of gas = (8.314 J.mol -1 .K -1 )*(273.15 K)/(101.325 kPa) = 22.4 litres

Therefore, one mole of any gaseous substance occupies 22.4 litres of volume at STP .

The process of respiration is a great example of Avogadro’s law. When humans inhale, the increase in the molar quantity of air in the lungs is accompanied by an increase in the volume of the lungs (expansion of the lungs). An image detailing the change in volume brought on by an increase in the number of gaseous molecules is provided below.

Example of Avogadro's Law

Another common example of Avogadro’s law is the deflation of automobile tyres. When the air trapped inside the tyre escapes, the number of moles of air present in the tyre decreases. This results in a decrease in the volume occupied by the gas, causing the tyre to lose its shape and deflate.

Despite being perfectly applicable to ideal gases, Avogadro’s law provides only approximate relationships for real gases. The deviation of real gases from ideal behaviour increases at low pressure and high temperature.

It is important to note that gases molecules having relatively low molecular masses (such as helium and hydrogen) obey Avogadro’s law to a greater extent than heavier molecules.

One mole of helium gas fills up an empty balloon to a volume of 1.5 litres. What would be the volume of the balloon if an additional 2.5 moles of helium gas is added? (Assume that the temperature and the pressure are kept constant)

The initial amount of helium (n 1 ) = 1 mol

The initial volume of the balloon (V 1 ) = 1.5 L

The final amount of helium (n 2 ) = 1 mol + 2.5 mol = 3.5 mol

As per Avogadro’s law, V 1 /n 1 = V 2 /n 2

Therefore, the final volume of the balloon (V 2 ) = (V 1 n 2 )/n 1 = (1.5L*3.5mol)/1mol = 5.25 L

The balloon would occupy a volume of 5.25 litres when it contains 3.5 moles of helium gas.

A tyre containing 10 moles of air and occupying a volume of 40L loses half its volume due to a puncture. Considering that the pressure and temperature remain constant, what would be the amount of air in the deflated tyre?

The initial amount of air (n 1 ) = 10 mol

The initial volume of the tyre (V 1 ) = 40 L

The final volume of the tyre (V 2 ) = 20 L

According to Avogadro’s law, the final amount of air in the tyre (n 2 ) = (V 2 n 1 )/V 1 = 5 moles.

The deflated tyre would contain 5 moles of air.

define avogadro's hypothesis

Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs

What does avogadro’s law state.

Avogadro’s law states that equal volumes of different gases contain an equal number of molecules under the same conditions of temperature and pressure.

Why is Avogadro’s law important?

The link between the amount of gas (n) and the volume (V) is investigated via Avogadro’s law (v). It’s a direct relationship, which means the volume of a gas is proportional to the number of moles contained in the gas sample. The law is significant because it allows us to save time and money over time.

What does Charles law state?

The physics theory known as Charles’ law asserts that the volume of a gas equals a constant value multiplied by its Kelvin temperature.

What is Avogadro’s Law in simple terms?

Why is avogadro’s law only for gases.

This is because there is so much space between each molecule that the size of the molecule has no bearing on the volume of the material. This is why the volume of a gas is governed by the pressure applied to it, and why under the same pressure, all gases have the same volume.

What are the limitations of Avogadro law?

What are the applications of avogadro law, can we apply the ideal gas law to liquids, when was avogadro’s law discovered, why was avogadro’s law rejected.

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What Is Avogadro’s Law (Avogadro’s Hypothesis Or Avogadro’s Principle)?

Avogadro’s law formula, avogadro’s number, moles to grams.

Avogadro’s law states that under conditions of constant pressure and temperature, there is a direct relationship between the number of moles and volume of a gas. This was Avogadro’s initial hypothesis. This law was applicable to ideal gases, while real gases show a slight deviation from it.

The modern definition of Avogadro’s law is that for a particular mass of an ideal gas, the amount (number of moles) and volume of the gas are directly proportional, provided the temperature and pressure conditions are constant.

Recommended Video for you:

Avogadro’s law’s mathematical formula can be written as:

V ∝ n or V/n = k

Where “V” is the volume of the gas, “n” is the amount of the gas (number of moles of the gas) and “k” is a constant for a given pressure and temperature.

Avogadro's number

Avogadro’s law formula describes how equal volumes of all gases contain the same number of molecules, under the same conditions of pressure and temperature. In other words, it describes that equal volumes of two different gases will have the same number of molecules as long as the temperature and pressure are the same.

Amadeo Avogadro was an Italian scientist of the 19 th century. He is known for making major contributions to chemistry, when it was just becoming a separate science field. His work came around the same as that of Jacques Charles (Charles Law), Robert Boyle (Boyle’s Law), etc. In fact, Avogadro’s Law, the hypothesis set by him, was among the laws on which the Ideal Gas Law is based.

An ideal gas can be defined as one in which the collisions between the molecules of the gas are elastic – i.e. there is no loss of kinetic or of momentum, and the molecules don’t have any intermolecular forces of attraction, i.e. they don’t have any interactions between them with the exceptions of the randomized collisions.

Before we get into understanding his work however, let us go over some basics.

A mole is a measure of the quantity of a substance. One mole of a substance is defined as that quantity which has as many units as the number of carbon atoms in 12 grams of C-12 carbon.

Another thing to remember is that a lot of these laws use STP or standard temperature and pressure. For STP, the value of temperature is 273.15 K (which is 0℃) while the value of pressure is 1atm or 760mmHg

Amedeo Avogadro

Also Read: What Is Charles’s Law?

Avogadro’s number is the number of molecules of gas in a mole. This number is huge, the current figure being 6.022 x 10 23 . The unit for Avogadro’s number is mol -1 . This means that the measure of the entity in question is per mole. Avogadro’s number is usually symbolised by N.

It’s interesting to note that contrary to popular belief, Avogadro’s number was not discovered by Amedeo Avogadro. The concept of mole and the determination of the value of Avogadro’s number happened after Avogadro’s death. In fact, Avogadro’s number is so called in honour of his discovery and his work.

WHAT IF I TOLD YOU THAT THE AVOGADRO'S NUMBER; WAS NOT DISCOVERED BY AVOGADRO meme

The first person to calculate the total number of particles present in a substance was an Austrian high school teacher called Josef Loschmidt, who, after a few years, became a professor at the University of Vienna.

Using kinetic molecular theory, Loschmidt was able to estimate the number of particles present in one cubic centimeter of gas at standard conditions of pressure and temperature. The value he calculated back in 1865 is known as the Loschmidt constant today, and its value is 2.6867773 x 1025 m-3.

Avogadro's number

The term ‘Avogadro’s number’ was first used by Jean Baptiste Perrin – a French physicist. He reported an estimate of the Avogadro’s number in 1909 based on his work on Brownian motion. For the uninitiated, Brownian motion is the random, haphazard movement of microscopic particles suspended in a gas/liquid.

Accurate determination of the Avogadro’s number only became possible for the first time when Robert Millikan – an American physicist – successfully measured the charge on an electron. Prior to this, the charge on a mole of electrons was already known (it’s a constant called ‘Faraday’, which is equal to 96,485.3383 coulombs per mole of electrons).

Certain parallels have been drawn to understand how humongous this number is. One of the easiest to comprehend is if this number of unpopped kernels of popcorn were spread across the area of the United States, after popping, the popcorn would cover the country up to a depth of 9 miles (For reference, the area of the United States is 3.797 square miles!!)

You will have noticed that I mentioned the current figure of Avogadro’s number. This is because over the years since the value was first determined, different methods have been used to calculate it. While each method gives approximately the same answer, there are slight variations. Therefore, based on the most recent calculations, that is the accepted figure. The first person to make this calculation, however, was Loschmidt.

Also Read: Grams To Moles: How To Convert Grams To Moles?

Moles can be converted to grams, which is another very popular measurement of quantity, and vice versa, by the following formula

Moles = grams/molar mass

To calculate the molar mass of a substance, one has to employ the use of the ever efficient periodic table. It be calculated by simply adding the mass number of the individual atoms in the substance. For instance, if one has to calculate the molar mass of NaCl –

Mass number of Na = 22.99 g/mol

Mass number of Cl = 35.45 g/mol

Therefore molar mass of NaCl is 22.99 + 35.45 = 58.44 g/mol

Avogadro’s number has a lot of applications in chemistry and physics. Certain generalization’s have also been drawn. For instance, the volume of 1 mole of a gas at STP is 22.4L. These are very handy in calculations. Avogadro’s number is an entity used by chemists worldwide. Although he may not have determined it, his work was the precedence for these calculations.

  • Ideal Gas Law. The University of Oregon
  • avogadro. The University of Kentucky
  • Avogadro's Number. The University of California, Berkeley
  • Moles to Grams Conversion Formula - Softschools.com. softschools.com

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Avogadro's Law is the relation which states that at the same temperature and pressure , equal volumes of all gases contain the same number of molecules. The law was described by Italian chemist and physicist Amedeo Avogadro in 1811.

Avogadro's Law Equation

There are a few ways to write this gas law , which is a mathematical relation. It may be stated:

k = V/n

where k is a proportionality constant V is the volume of a gas, and n is the number of moles of a gas

Avogadro's law also means the ideal gas constant is the same value for all gases, so:

constant = p 1 V 1 /T 1 n 1 = P 2 V 2 /T 2 n 2

V 1 /n 1 = V 2 /n 2 V 1 n 2 = V 2 n 1

where p is pressure of a gas, V is volume, T is temperature , and n is number of moles

Implications of Avogadro's Law

There are a few important consequences of the law being true.

  • The molar volume of all ideal gases at 0°C and 1 atm pressure is 22.4 liters. 
  • If pressure and temperature of a gas are constant, when the amount of gas increases, the volume increases.
  • If pressure and temperature of a gas are constant, when the amount of gas decreases, the volume decreases.
  • You prove Avogadro's Law every time you blow up a balloon.

Avogadro's Law Example

Say you have 5.00 L of a gas which contains 0.965 mol of molecules . What will be the new volume of the gas if the quantity is increased to 1.80 mol, assuming pressure and temperature are held constant?

Select the appropriate form of the law for the calculation. In this case, a good choice is:

V 1 n 2  = V 2 n 1

(5.00 L)(1.80 mol) = (x)(0.965 mol)

Rewriting to solve for x give you:

x = (5.00 L)(1.80 mol) / (0.965 mol)

x = 9.33 L

  • Avogadro, Amedeo (1810). "Essai d'une manière de déterminer les masses relatives des molécules élémentaires des corps, et les proportions selon lesquelles elles entrent dans ces combinaisons." Journal de Physique . 73: 58–76.
  • Clapeyron, Émile (1834). "Mémoire sur la puissance motrice de la chaleur." Journal de l'École Polytechnique . XIV: 153–190.
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Avogadro’s Law

Avogadro’s law formula, applications and uses [1], problems and solutions.

Avogadro’s law states that equal volumes of different gases contain an equal number of molecules under the same pressure and temperature conditions. This law is valid for ideal gases at low pressures and high temperatures [1-4] .

define avogadro's hypothesis

Italian physicist Amedeo Avogadro was the first to state the hypothetical law in 1811.

According to Avogadro’s hypothesis, the volume (V) of a gas is directly proportional to the number of moles (n) [1-4] .

n : Number of moles

The above proportionality can be written as follows:

k : proportionality constant

This equation can be represented as a graph.

define avogadro's hypothesis

Consider a gas with n 1 moles with a volume V 1 . Suppose the number of moles increases to n 2 such that the volume increases to V 2 , then

V 1 = kn 1 and V 2 = kn 2

Dividing one equation by the other and rearranging,

V 1 /n 1 = V 2 /n 2

The above equation can be used to compare two gases at the same temperature and pressure conditions. Also, the number of molecules in a given volume of an ideal gas is independent of their size or the molar mass.

define avogadro's hypothesis

In order to derive Avogadro’s gas law, let us look at the ideal gas equation.

Or, V/n = RT/P

P : Pressure

R : Universal gas constant

T : Temperature

At constant pressure and temperature, the right-hand side is constant. Let, k = RT/P. Then,

Thus, the volume is proportional to the number of moles of the gas.

Avogadro’s Number

Let us rewrite the ideal gas law as follows:

PV = (N/N A )RT

The ratio N/N A gives the number of moles or n = N/N A . Here, N is the number of molecules in the gas, and N A is known as Avogadro’s number. It is the number of molecules present in one mole of a substance. Its value is 6.023 x 10 23 .

Molar Volume

Avogadro’s number can be used to calculate the molar volume. For one mole of a gas, n = 1 and V = k. Therefore, one has to know the value of k at standard temperature and pressure (STP). At STP, the pressure (P) is 101.325 kPa, and the temperature (T) is 273.15 K. The universal gas constant R has a value of 8.314 L·kPa·M -1· K -1 . Putting in all the values, we get

Or, k = 8.314 L·kPa·M -1· K -1 x 273.15 K /101.325 kPa

Or, k = 22.4 LM -1

Below are some examples of Avogadro’s law in everyday life [5] .

  • Respiration : When we respire, we breathe in oxygen. The more we breathe, the more our lungs will expand.
  • Deflation : When the air is released from an inflated tire, the number of moles decreases. The shape of the tire also changes since its volume decreases.
  • Inflation : When a water tube is inflated by pumping air inside, the number of air molecules increases. Thus, the tube is inflated, and its volume increases.
  • Explains Gay-Lussac’s law
  • Determines the atomicity of the gases
  • Determines the molecular formula of a gaseous compound
  • Gives the relationship between gram molecular mass and gram molecular volume of gas
  • Determines the relationship between molecular mass and vapor density of a gas

Problem 1 : Two moles of helium gas fill up an empty balloon to a volume of 2.5 L. What would be the volume of the balloon if an additional 1.5 moles of helium gas is added at constant temperature and pressure.

n 1 = 2 mol

V 1 = 2.5 L

n 2 = 2 mol + 1.5 mol = 3.5 mol

From Avogadro’s law,

Therefore, the final volume of the balloon is

 V 2 = V 1 ·n 2 /n 1 = (2.5 L x 3.5 mol)/2 mol = 4.375 L

Problem 2 : 40 g of nitrogen gas is kept in a 2.5 L container. The gas exerts a pressure of 2 atm on the container. If pressure is kept constant, what is the final amount of gas in grams present in the container if gas is added until the volume has increased to 4.0 L?

Mass of nitrogen = 40 g => n 1 = Mass/Molar mass = 40 g/28 gM -1 = 1.43 M

Or, n 2 = n 1 x V 2 /V 1

Or, n 2 = 1.43 M x 4 L/2.5 L

Or, n 2 = 2.29 M

Therefore, amount of nitrogen

= 2.29 M x 28 gM -1 = 64 g

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Avogadro’s Hypothesis: Law: Example: Application

  • August 7, 2022
  • Gaseous State

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Avogadro’s Hypothesis , introduced by Amaedo Avogardro in 1811, explains that in every gas the number of molecules is proportional to the volume. He replaced the term ‘atoms’ in the Berzelius hypothesis with the term ‘molecules’ and postulated a law, popularly known as Avogadro’s hypothesis.

Avogadro’s hypothesis states, “ Equal volumes of all gases and vapors contain an equal number of molecules under similar conditions of temperature and pressure .” According to this hypothesis, under the same temperature and pressure, the volume of a gas depends upon the number of molecules or moles but not upon their size or mass. Under the assumption of an ideal (perfect) gas , this empirical relationship can be derived from the kinetic theory of gases .

This law is valid for real gases at low pressure and high temperature.

Example of Avogadro’s law

If we consider 2 liters of nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen each under STP, they will contain an equal number of molecules however their mass is different. This hypothesis is experimentally verified and is called Avogadro’s law . Avogadro’s law can explain gaseous reactions without violating Dalton’s atomic theory .

Avogadro's hypothesis

Let 1 volume of gas contain ‘n’ molecule then apply Avogadro’s law

image 1

The above experimental result shows that 1 molecule of hydrogen chloride is produced from 1/2 molecule of hydrogen and half molecule of chlorine. The fraction of molecules is possible because a molecule contains more than one atom . Hence Avogadro’s hypothesis is in accordance with dalton’s atomic theory and Gay-Lussac’s law of gaseous volume.

Application of Avogadro’s law

Avogadro’s law has numerous applications, some of which are as follows:

1. Determination of atomicity of elementary gases

Atomicity is the number of atoms present in one molecule of an element or compound. elementary gases are composed of atoms of the same element. For example, H 2 , Cl 2 , O 2 , N 2 , etc. Other types of gases are compound gases like CO 2 , NH 3 , SO 2 , N 2 O 5 , etc. Avogadro’s law is applied to determine the atomicity of elementary gases. Elementary gases are diatomic, i.e., one molecule contains two atoms. For Further illustration, we can take the example of oxygen.

1.1.Oxygen is Diatomic gas

Oxygen reacts with hydrogen to give water vapor. Experimentally, it has been found that hydrogen and oxygen react in the ratio of 2:1 by volume to give 2 volumes of water vapor under similar conditions of temperature and pressure. This experimental result is formulated as follows:

image 2

Let one volume of gas contain ‘n’ molecules, then by applying Avogadro’s hypothesis,

define avogadro's hypothesis

One molecule of water vapor contains one molecule of hydrogen and 1/2 molecule of oxygen. From Avogadro’s law , it has been proved that one molecule of hydrogen contains 2 atoms. The valency of hydrogen is one. Hence, two atoms of hydrogen can satisfy the valency of only one atom of oxygen because the valency of oxygen is two. From the above discussion, we come to know that one molecule of water vapor contains only one atom of oxygen. This one atom is derived from its half molecule. Hence, we can write,

1/2 molecule of oxygen contains 1 atom or 1 atom of oxygen contains 2 atoms.

Hence, by applying Avogadro’s hypothesis we are able to determine the atomicity of oxygen i.e, 2.

2. Deduction of the relationship between molecular mass and vapor density

Molecular mass or molecular weight is the mass of one molecule of a substance as compared to the mass of one atom of hydrogen.

image 4

From Avogadro’s law, we know that hydrogen is diatomic i.e. a molecule containing two atoms. Hence, we can write

image 5

Mol. wt. = 2 × V.D.

Hence, the molecular weight of a gaseous substance is twice its vapor density .

3. Derivation of the relationship between gram molecular mass and volume of gas

The molecular weight expressed in grams is called gram molecular mass. Experimentally, it has been found that the gram molecular mass of any gas or vapor at STP occupies 22.4 liters. This experimental observation is theoretically explained by applying Avogadro’s law .

4. Derivation of the relationship between gram molecular weight and number of molecules

From Avogadro’s law, we know that the gram molecular weight of any gas or vapor occupies 22.4 liters at STP. This quantity is also called molar volume i.e, the volume occupied by one molecule. According to Avogadro’s law, we know that the equal volume of all gases and vapors contains an equal number of molecules under similar conditions of temperature and pressure.

Since one mole of any gas or vapor at STP occupies 22.4 liters. Due to equal volume, it must contain the same number of molecules. Experimentally it has been found that 22.4 liters of gas at STP contain 6.023 × 10 23 molecules.

5. Determination of molecular formula from volume composition of a gas

Avogadro’s law is also applied to determine the molecular formula of a gaseous compound from its volume composition and molecular mass. It can be explained by considering an oxide of nitrogen having a molecular mass of 60 and one volume of which is composed of half of the volume of nitrogen and half of the volume of oxygen i.e. volume ratio of nitrogen: oxygen: nitrogen oxides is 1:1:2 under the similar condition of temperature and pressure.

What is Avogadro’s hypothesis?

Avogadro’s hypothesis states, “ Equal volumes of all gases and vapors contain an equal number of molecules under similar conditions of temperature and pressure .”

What evidence supports Avogadro’s hypothesis?

The fraction of molecules is possible because a molecule contains more than one atom.

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  • Avogadros Hypothesis

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A Tale of Temperature and Pressure Conditions!

Avogadro's law states that if the condition of temperature and pressure are the same, then the equal volume of different gases also will have the same number of molecules in it. You can derive this from the kinetic theory of gas under the assumption of taking a perfect or an ideal gas. This law is more appropriate and applicable for gases at relatively low pressure and high temperature.

Now, if we talk about Avogadro's Number then it is the sacrifice number of molecules in the Gram mole of a substance, it can be defined as molecular weight in grams it is 6.02214706 ×10 23 . 

This law was designed by professor Avogadro of higher physics at the University of Turin. Although he proposed this law in 1811, this law was not accepted upto the year 1858 when an Italian chemist namely Stanisalo Cannizaro constructed a whole logical system of chemistry based on this law. The more information about this law, you will get in this article below. Let's have a look at it.

Avogadro's Hypothesis - Avogadro’s Constant

The law of Avogadro provides a means to measure the amount of gas present in a receptacle. This law is sometimes even called Avogadro's principle or Avogadro's hypothesis. It is a kind of an experimental gas law that relates the gas volume to the quantity of gaseous substance present.

It is a precise case of an ideal gas law. The law of Avogadro states that when all gases of equal volumes are mixed at the same pressure and temperature, then it has the same amounts of molecules.

For any specific weight of a gas, the amount and volume of the gas substance is proportional to each other provided that both the pressure and temperature remains constant.

So, the entire law of Amedeo Avogadro concluded that different types of gases bearing the same volume, when combined at the same pressure and temperature, possess the same amount of in it. 

For example, when the two ideal gases, hydrogen and nitrogen are mixed in equal quantities, they contain the same amounts of molecules in them. This happens only when they are kept at the same pressure and temperature. This shows the ideal behaviour of gas. 

Now Let Us See this Law in Mathematical Terms:

The entire law can be written as V \[\infty\] n

\[\frac{V}{n} = K\] (a constant)

‘V’ is the symbol for gas volume;

‘n’ is the gaseous substance that is measured in the form of moles;

‘k’ is a constant defined for a particular pressure and temperature.

When compared the same gaseous substance under different conditions, this law can be written as:

\[\frac{V_{1}}{n_{1}} = \frac{V_{2}}{n_{2}}\]

So, the above equation shows that the quantity of moles in the gas increases in the same proportion as the increase in the gas volume. If the amount of gas moles decreases, then its volume also reduces. So, the total number of atoms or molecules present in any particular volume of gas is completely independent of the molar mass or size of the gas.

How the Avagadro’s Hypothesis Got Formed?

Avogadro's hypothesis was expressed in the same way as Boyle's empirical gas law in the year 1662, Charles's law in the year 1787 and Gay-Lussac's law in the year 1808. The Avogadro hypothesis was published by the famous scientist Amadeo Avogadro in the year 1811.

He reconciled the atomic theory of Dalton with an "incompatible" view of other scientists like Gay-Lussac and Joseph Louis that stated a few gases were compound of different types of fundamental molecules in integer proportions. 

In the year 1814, Avogadro, and André-Marie Ampère created the same law that resulted in similar outcomes. As the scientist Ampère was more famous in France, this hypothesis got popularly referred to as the Ampère's hypothesis. It later became popular as Avogadro-Ampère hypothesis or Ampère-Avogadro hypothesis.

What Problems Did Avogadro Face Before His Hypothesis Got Accepted by People?

Chemists found the Avogadro hypothesis quite tough to accept as there were some things that were not easy to accept. One of the things was that if the gaseous particles were combining, then a volume of gas X when reacted with a volume of gas Y should result in one product volume.

Later after several researches, it was found that a volume of gas X when reacted with a volume of gas Y resulted in the formation of two product volumes. Chemists such as Gay-Lussac were not able to interpret this type of gaseous behavior. Avogadro also reasoned that such an outcome can only be defined when Gay-Lussac’s particles were actually made up of tiny particles. He then introduced the application of the term “molecule” in order to refer to the combinations of small sized particles. 

The word “molecule” was derived from the term “mole”. The term “mole” implied “lumps of matter” and the term “cula” implied “little”. So, a molecule was seen as a tiny cluster of matter. The hypothesis given by Avogadro was totally consistent with the assessment that the pressure was caused due to the molecular collisions with the different sides of the container. 

On keeping the pressure the same, it was pretty reasonable that the amounts of molecules contained in the container also remained the same. Along with it, when hydrogen chloride and ammonia were mixed in equal ratio of one to one, he arrived at the conclusion that a number of different gases mixed in this manner can only happen if the individual gas molecules were “diatomic”.

In What Way Did Avogadro's Hypothesis Help Chemists?

This hypothesis stated that two different gas samples of equal volume, when present at the same pressure and temperature, contain the equal number of molecules. Avogadro's hypothesis permitted chemists to forecast the performance of an ideal gas.

Amedeo Avogadro created the hypothesis in the year 1811, in which he asserted that the gas volume is independent of the mass or size of the gas molecules. He further stated that equal gas volumes present at the same pressure and temperature contain the equal number of molecules irrespective of their physical properties and chemical nature. This number is referred to as Avogadro's number.

What is Avogadro’s Number?

Avogadro’s number is defined as the number of units in one mole of a substance. This consideration is equal for both the lightest gas (hydrogen) and heavy gases (Bromine or Carbon dioxide). The value of Avogadro's Number is 6.022×10 23 .

Why is Avogadro Hypothesis Important?

Avogadro's law established how the gas amount (n) is related to its volume (v). It was found to be a direct relationship, which implied that the gas volume is completely proportional to the amount of gas moles present in it. This law was very significant as it helped in saving a lot of money and time in the long run.

What is the Concept of Mole and How it Was Calculated?

Mole is described as the quantity of any substance that is made up of as many molecules, atoms, electrons, ions, or any different forms of objects in 12 grams of carbon. This quantity is referred to as Avogadro's number.

What is a Molar Mass?

The mass of one mole of a substance is referred to as its molar mass. This mass is used for the conversion of specific grams of any substance to its moles. It has applications in the field of chemistry too. If one knows the mass of any substance, then the quantity of moles contained in it can be easily calculated.

How Many Numbers of Grams Are Present in One Mole?

There are around 6.022×10 23 atoms present in one mole or per twelve grams of carbon. The number of moles present in any substance can be easily found by using the molar mass of that substance. This mass is the number of grams present in a single mole of any substance.

Avogadro wasn’t able to base the hypotheses about the diatomic characteristics of molecules. He illustrated several experiments but the scientific community could not accept the validity of the hypothesis till several years post his death. Using the hypothesis, it assisted the chemists to deduce the chemical formulas of gaseous substances on the basis of combining gas volumes. The application of Avogadro’s hypothesis was instrumental in defining the molar element’s mass. Students can go through concepts, Definitions, and questions carefully and understand the concepts used to solve these questions. This will help the students immensely in their examinations. 

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FAQs on Avogadros Hypothesis

1. What Does Avogadro's law state?

Avogadro's law, in simple language, states that an equal volume of different gases also contains the same number of molecules provided that the condition of temperature and pressure also remains the same. In most of these conditions, Avogadro's law is applicable when the temperature is high and pressure is low. This law initially was not accepted but when an Italian scientist logically explained chemistry on its basis, then this law was proved correct. Avogadro law is now a fundamental law accepted by scientists all around the world. 

2. What is the importance of Avogadro’s law?

Avogadro’s law states that an equal volume of gases at the same temperature and pressure conditions will have equal molecules of gas. It is important because it serves as a link between the amount of gas and the volume of gas. This is a direct relationship that states that the volume of gas is directly proportional to the number of moles present in the gas sample at a temperature and pressure. This law is quite significant because it allows you to save time and money, and you are not required to spend a lot of energy. 

3. State Avagadro’s law and give examples of Avogadro's law?

Avogadro's law is simple. It states that if different gases have the same volume and are under the same temperature and pressure conditions, then the number of molecules in the gases will be the same. Let us understand this topic by using simple examples. We all know about respiration. The respiration process is the best example of Avogadro's law. When a person inhales the air, the increase in the molar quantity of the lungs is accompanied by an increase in the volume capacity. During letting out of the air, the decrease in the molar quantity of air in the lungs will lead to decrease in the volume of air in the lungs and thus, lead to a decrease in the lungs capacity.

4. Why is Avogadro’s law only applicable for gases?

Avogadro's law or Avogadro's hypothesis is mostly applicable only for gases. This is because there is much space present between two molecules of a gas. The space between them is so much that the size of the molecule has no bearing on the volume of the material of the gas. This is the main reason why the volume of gas is governed by the pressure applied to the volume of gas, and under the same pressure, the gases have the same volume. This is what Avogadro's law states that under the same pressure, there will be the same number of molecules in two different gases.

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Avogadro’s Hypothesis: Avogadro’s Law, Examples, Formula, Applications

You will find the answer to all these interesting questions in this article about Avogadro’s Hypothesis . The atomicity of water \(\left( {{{\rm{H}}_2}{\rm{O}}} \right)\) is \(3\). A molecule of water is made up of \(2\) hydrogen atoms and \(1\) oxygen atom. Now, how many hydrogen and oxygen molecules make up a molecule of water? At constant temperature and pressure, is the number of molecules in different gases like hydrogen, oxygen, steam, ammonia, etc. the same or different?

The law is named after Amedeo Avogadro, who suggested in 1812 that two identical samples of an ideal gas with the same volume, temperature, and pressure have the same number of molecules. When equal amounts of gaseous hydrogen and nitrogen are at the same temperature and pressure, they contain the same number of atoms and exhibit perfect gas behaviour.

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In this article, you will explore Avogadro’s law, examples of it, Avogadro’s constant its applications in detail and more. Continue reading for more information.

What is Avogadro’s Hypothesis?

The Italian chemist Amedeo Avogadro, established a relationship between the volume of a gas and the corresponding number of molecules under a given set of conditions of temperature and pressure. This hypothesis is called Avogadro’s hypothesis. It states that, under similar conditions of temperature and pressure, an equal volume of all gases contain an equal number of molecules.

\({\rm{V}} \propto {\rm{N}}\)

Where V is the volume of the gas and N is the number of molecules.

For example, if an equal volume of four gases hydrogen \(\left( {{{\rm{H}}_2}} \right)\), oxygen \(\left( {{{\rm{O}}_2}} \right)\), chlorine \(\left( {{\rm{C}}{{\rm{l}}_2}} \right)\) and ammonia \(\left( {{\rm{N}}{{\rm{H}}_3}} \right)\) is enclosed in the different flasks of the same capacity under similar conditions of temperature and pressure, then all flasks have the same number of molecules. However, these molecules may be different in size and mass.

Avogadro's Hypothesis

Avogadro’s Hypothesis and Dalton’s Atomic Theory

Avogadro’s Hypothesis is a modification of the Berzelius hypothesis. According to the Berzelius hypothesis, an equal volume of all gases under similar conditions of temperature and pressure contains an equal number of atoms.

But this hypothesis is not applicable to the chemical reactions involving gases. It was found that even fractions of atoms were involved in some chemical reactions. But in the Dalton atomic theory half of an atom of an element cannot exist. This conflict was solved by Avogadro by making a clear distinction between atom and molecule.

According to Avogadro, an atom is the smallest particle of an element that may or may not have an independent existence. In contrast, a molecule is the smallest particle of a substance (element or compound) that can exist independently.

L earn Ideal Gas Equation

Example for Avogadro’s Hypothesis: Formation of HCl Gas

One volume of hydrogen and one volume of chlorine combine to give two volumes of hydrogen chloride gas and NTP (Normal Temperature Pressure) conditions.

\({\rm{Hydrogen}} + {\rm{Chlorine}} \to {\rm{Hydrogen}}\,{\rm{chloridegas}}\)

\(1\,{\rm{Volume}}\,1\,{\rm{Volume}}\,2\,{\rm{Volumes}} = {\rm{kn}}\)

Let \(1\) volume of each gas contain n molecules.

By applying Avogadro’s hypothesis

\({\rm{Hydrogen}} + {\rm{Chlorine}} \to {\rm{Hydrogen}}\,{\rm{chloridegas}}\) \({\rm{n}}\,{\mkern 1mu} {\rm{molecules}}\,\,{\rm{n}}\,{\mkern 1mu} {\rm{molecules}}{\mkern 1mu} \,\,2{\rm{n}}{\mkern 1mu} \,{\rm{molecules}}\) \(1\,{\mkern 1mu} {\rm{molecules}}\,{\mkern 1mu} 1\,{\mkern 1mu} {\rm{molecules}}{\mkern 1mu} \,2{\mkern 1mu} \,{\rm{molecules}}\) \(\frac{1}{2}{\mkern 1mu} \,{\rm{molecules}}{\mkern 1mu} \,\frac{1}{2}{\mkern 1mu} \,{\rm{molecules}}{\mkern 1mu} \,1{\mkern 1mu} \,{\rm{molecules}}\)

This means that \(1\) molecule of hydrogen chloride contains ½ molecule of hydrogen and \(1/2\) molecule of chlorine. Now, \(1/2\) molecule of hydrogen can exist because one molecule of hydrogen contains two atoms of hydrogen, and \(1/2\) molecules of hydrogen mean one atom of hydrogen. Similarly, \(1/2\) molecule of chlorine contains an atom of chlorine because chlorine is also a diatomic molecule. Thus, one molecule of hydrogen chloride is formed from \(1\) atom of hydrogen and \(1\) atom of chlorine. This agrees with Dalton theory.

What is the Value of Avogadro Constant?

The number of molecules in one mole of gas has been determined to be \(6.022 \times {10^{23}}\). This value is known as Avogadro Constant.

According to Avagadro, all gases containing an equal amount of substances occupy the same volume at the same temperature and pressure.

\({\rm{V}} \propto {\rm{n}}\)

\({\rm{V = kn}}\)

Where \({\rm{k}}\) is the proportionality constant.

One mole, each gas at standard temperature and pressure, will have the same volume. This is known as molar volume \(\left( {{{\rm{V}}_{\rm{m}}}} \right)\). \(1\) mole of any gas at the \(273.15\;{\rm{K}}\) and \(1\) bar pressure occupies \({22.7110^{ – 3}}\;{{\rm{m}}^3}\) or \(22.71\;{\rm{L}}\).

The number of moles can be calculated by the equation,

We know that, \({\rm{n}} = \frac{{{\rm{Mass}}\,{\rm{of}}\,{\rm{gas}}}}{{{\rm{Molar}}\,{\rm{mass}}}} = \frac{{\rm{m}}}{{\rm{M}}}\)

\({\rm{V}} = {\rm{k}}\frac{{\rm{m}}}{{\rm{M}}}\)

\({\rm{M}} = {\rm{k}}\frac{{\rm{m}}}{{\rm{V}}}\)

We know that density, \({\rm{d}} = \frac{{\rm{m}}}{{\rm{v}}}\)

 On rearranging,

\({\rm{M = kd}}\)

Hence, the density of a gas is directly proportional to its molar mass.

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Applications of Avogadro’s Law

1. Deduction of atomicity of Elementary Gases: Atomicity of an elementary substance is defined as the number of atoms of the element present in one molecule of a  substance. Example: Atomicity of oxygen \(\left( {{{\rm{O}}_{\rm{2}}}} \right)\) is \(2\) while that of ozone \(\left( {{{\rm{O}}_{\rm{3}}}} \right)\) is \(3\). Avogadro’s law helps in determining the atomicity of elementary gases such as hydrogen, oxygen, chlorine, etc. Example: Calculation of atomicity of oxygen. Consider the reaction between hydrogen and oxygen to form water vapour. Two volumes of hydrogen combined with \(1\) volume of oxygen to form two volumes of water vapour. \({\rm{Hydrogen}} + {\rm{Oxygen}} \to {\rm{Water}}\,{\rm{Vapour}}\) \(2\,{\rm{Volumes}}\,1\,{\rm{Volume}}\,2\,{\rm{Volumes}}\) Applying Avogadro’s hypothesis \({\rm{Hydrogen}} + {\rm{Oxygen}} \to {\rm{Water Vapour }}\) \(2{\rm{n}}\,{\rm{molecules}}\,{\rm{n}}\,{\rm{molecules}}\,2{\rm{n}}\,{\rm{molecules}}\) \(1\,{\rm{molecules}}\,\frac{1}{2}\,{\rm{molecules}}\,1\,{\rm{molecules}}\) Thus, \(1\) molecule of water contains \(\frac{1}{2}\) molecule of oxygen. But \(1\) molecule of water contains \(1\) atom of oxygen. Hence, \(\frac{1}{2}\) molecules of oxygen \( = 1\) atom of oxygen Or \(1\) molecule of oxygen \(= 2\) atoms of oxygen, i.e., atomicity of oxygen \(= 2\).

2. Determination of the relationship between vapour density and molar mass of a gas: The vapour density of a gas is the ratio between the mass of a certain volume of the gas to the mass of the same volume of hydrogen gas under the similar conditions of temperature and pressure. \({\rm{Vapour}}\,{\rm{density}}\,({\rm{V}}.{\rm{D}}.)\,{\rm{of}}\,{\rm{gas}} = \frac{{{\rm{Mass}}\,{\rm{of}}\,{\rm{certain}}\,{\rm{volume}}\,{\rm{of}}\,{\rm{gas}}}}{{{\rm{Mass}}\,{\rm{of}}\,{\rm{same}}\,{\rm{volume}}\,{\rm{of}}\,{\rm{hydrogen}}}}\) According to Avogadro’s hypothesis, equal volume of all gases under similar conditions of temperature and pressure contains equal number of molecules. Let the given volume of the gas and hydrogen contain n molecule at STP conditions. \({\rm{Vapour}}\,{\rm{density}} = \frac{{{\rm{Mass}}\,{\rm{of}}\,{\rm{n}}\,{\rm{molecules}}\,{\rm{of}}\,{\rm{gas}}}}{{{\rm{Mass}}\,{\rm{of}}\,{\rm{n}}\,{\rm{molecules}}\,{\rm{of}}\,{\rm{hydrogen}}}}\) \({\rm{Vapour}}\,{\rm{density}} = \frac{{{\rm{Mass}}\,{\rm{of}}\,{\rm{1}}\,{\rm{molecules}}\,{\rm{of}}\,{\rm{gas}}}}{{{\rm{Mass}}\,{\rm{of}}\,{\rm{1}}\,{\rm{molecules}}\,{\rm{of}}\,{\rm{hydrogen}}}}\) The ratio of the mass of one molecule of gas to the mass of an atom of hydrogen is called molar mass. Therefore, \({\rm{Vapour}}\,{\rm{density}} = \frac{{{\rm{Molar}}\,{\rm{Mass}}}}{{\rm{2}}}\) \({\rm{Molar}}\,{\rm{Mass}} = 2 \times {\rm{Vapour}}\,{\rm{density}}\) Vapour density is also called relative density of the gas.

3. Determination of relationship between mass and volume of the gas:

\({\rm{Molar}}\,{\rm{Mass}} = 2 \times {\rm{Vapour}}\,{\rm{density}}\)

\({\rm{Molar}}\,{\rm{Mass}} = 2 \times \frac{{{\rm{Mass}}\,{\rm{of}}\,{\rm{certain}}\,{\rm{volume}}\,{\rm{of}}\,{\rm{gas}}\,{\rm{at}}\,{\rm{STP}}}}{{{\rm{Mass}}\,{\rm{of}}\,{\rm{same}}\,{\rm{volume}}\,{\rm{of}}\,{\rm{hydroen}}\,{\rm{at}}\,{\rm{STP}}}}\)

\({\rm{Molar}}\,{\rm{Mass}} = 2 \times \frac{{{\rm{Mass}}\,{\rm{of}}\,1{\rm{L}}\,{\rm{of}}\,{\rm{gas}}\,{\rm{at}}\,{\rm{STP}}}}{{{\rm{Mass}}\,{\rm{of}}\,1{\rm{L}}\,{\rm{of}}\,{\rm{hydroen}}\,{\rm{at}}\,{\rm{STP}}}}\)

But, the mass of \({1{\rm{L }}}\) of hydrogen gas is \({\rm{0}}{\rm{.089 g}}\)

Therefore, \({\rm{Molar}}\,{\rm{Mass}} = 2 \times \frac{{{\rm{Mass}}\,{\rm{of}}\,1{\rm{L}}\,{\rm{of}}\,{\rm{gas}}\,{\rm{at}}\,{\rm{STP}}}}{{0.089}}\)

\({\rm{Molar}}\,{\rm{Mass}} = \frac{2}{{0.089}} \times {\rm{Mass}}\,{\rm{of}}\,1{\rm{L}}\,{\rm{of}}\,{\rm{gas}}\,{\rm{at}}\,{\rm{STP}}\)

\({\rm{Molar}}\,{\rm{Mass}} = 22.4 \times {\rm{Mass}}\,{\rm{of}}\,1{\rm{L}}\,{\rm{of}}\,{\rm{gas}}\,{\rm{at}}\,{\rm{STP}}\)

\({\rm{Molar}}\,{\rm{Mass}} = {\rm{Mass}}\,{\rm{of}}\,22.4{\rm{L}}\,{\rm{of}}\,{\rm{gas}}\,{\rm{at}}\,{\rm{STP}}\)

Thus, \(22.4{\rm{L}}\) of any gas at \({\rm{STP}}\) weighs equal to the molar mass of gas expressed in grams. This is called gram molecular volume.

You will be able to recollect Avogadro’s hypothesis, Avogadro’s law, and a comparison of Dalton’s theory after reading this article. Avogadro’s constant and applications of Avogadro’s hypothesis in identifying atomicity of elementary gases, determining a relationship between vapour density and molar mass of gas, and determining a relationship between mass and volume of the gas are all things you’re familiar with.

Test Informative Blog

We have provided some frequently asked questions on Avogadro’s Hypothesis here:

Q.1. What is Avogadro’s equation? Ans: Avogadro’s equation is \({\rm{V}} = {\rm{kn}}\)

Where \({\rm{V}}\) is the volume of gas, \({\rm{n}}\) is the number of moles of gas and \({\rm{k}}\) is the proportionality constant.

Q.2. What are the applications of Avogadro’s Hypothesis? Ans: The applications of Avogadro’s Hypothesis are

  • Avogadro’s law helps in determining the atomicity of elementary gases such as hydrogen, oxygen, chlorine, etc.
  • It helps in the determination of the relationship between vapour density and molar mass of a gas. \({\rm{Vapour}}\,{\rm{density}} = \frac{{{\rm{Molar}}\,{\rm{mass}}}}{2}\)
  • It helps in the determination of the relationship between mass and volume of the gas. \({\rm{Molar}}\,{\rm{mass}} = {\rm{Mass}}\,{\rm{of}}\,22.4{\rm{L}}\,{\rm{of}}\,{\rm{gas}}\,{\rm{STP}}\)

Thus, \({\rm{22}}{\rm{.4L}}\) of any gas at \({\rm{STP}}\) weighs equal to the molar mass of gas expressed in grams. This is called gram molecular volume.

Q.3. Why is Avogadro’s law important? Ans: Avogadro’s law is important for the calculation of the amount of gas present in a particular volume.

According to Avogadro’s law

Q.4. What is Avogadro’s hypothesis in chemistry? Ans: The Italian chemist Amedeo Avogadro established a relationship between the volume of a gas and the corresponding number of molecules under a given set of conditions of temperature and pressure. This hypothesis is called Avogadro’s hypothesis. It states that, under similar conditions of temperature and pressure, an equal volume of all gases contain an equal number of molecules.

Where \({\rm{V}}\) is the volume of the gas and \({\rm{N}}\) is the number of molecules.

Q.5. What does Avogadro’s law state? Ans: Avogadro’s law states that under similar conditions of temperature and pressure, the equal volume of all gases contains an equal number of molecules.

Q.6. What is Avogadro’s law example? Ans: An example for Avogadro’s Hypothesis is the formation of \({\rm{HCl}}\) gas.   One volume of hydrogen and one volume of chlorine combine to give two volumes of hydrogen chloride gas at \({\rm{NTP}}\) (Normal Temperature Pressure) condition.

\({\rm{Hydrogen}} + {\rm{Chlorine}} \to {\rm{Hydrogen}}\,{\rm{chloride}}\,{\rm{gas}}\)

\(1\,{\rm{Volmue}}\,1\,{\rm{Volume}}\,2\,{\rm{Volumes}}\)

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Why is Avogadro's hypothesis true?

Why is the number of molecules in a standard volume of gas at a standard temperature and pressure a constant, regardless of the molecule's composition or weight? Let's say I have a closed box full of a heavy gas, one meter on a side. It has a certain number of molecules inside. I want to be able to add a lighter gas to the box without changing its internal pressure (or temperature), so I connect a cylinder to the side of the box, which holds a frictionless piston for expansion (the piston has a constant force applied to it, to maintain a constant pressure inside the box and allow the volume of the gas to grow as new gas is introduced into the box). Now I add Helium to the box. The piston moves back to maintain constant pressure, but why does the number of molecules in the box proper stay constant? My mental image of this is that it would be like adding water to a bucket of marbles, and that, evidently, is wrong, but why is it wrong?

  • statistical-mechanics
  • physical-chemistry

Luboš Motl's user avatar

  • $\begingroup$ I fail to follow your construction after the third line. A figure would be extremely helpful for this question. $\endgroup$ –  user346 Commented Jan 14, 2011 at 4:32
  • $\begingroup$ The number of molecules in the box actually does change. It's only in the zero-pressure limits that the experiment works the way you've described it. $\endgroup$ –  Mark Eichenlaub Commented Jan 14, 2011 at 4:33
  • $\begingroup$ To me, you seem to not want to believe that the different masses of different elements, like helium oder helenium :-) do not matter. Just in case: me too, I find it incredible. $\endgroup$ –  Peter Bernhard Commented Oct 31, 2022 at 15:54

3 Answers 3

Dear Wade, your good question is easily answered if you consider "pressure" to be a derived quantity, and let us derive it.

An average molecule (or atom) of an ideal gas - and your proposition only holds for an ideal gas - has kinetic energy equal to $$mv^2/2=3kT/2$$ It's because every degree of freedom carries $kT/2$ and there are three degrees of fredom in translations. Note that lighter molecules will move faster than the heavier ones.

How do we calculate the pressure? Well, put the molecule in a cubic box of volume $a^3$. It will hit the walls - the total surface of the cube is $6a^2$. We need to compute the average (over molecules) transfered momentum per unit time - this is called the force - and divide it by the area to compute the pressure of one molecule.

The force on the wall may be in $x,y,z$ directions. Let's consider the $x$ direction. The velocity of a particular molecule in the $x$-direction is $v_x$, so it takes $a/v_x$ of time to get from one side to the other side of the box in the $x$ direction. Once it gets to the other side, it bounces off the wall and changes the sign of the $x$-component of the velocity (and momentum). At this moment, the momentum $p_x$ clearly changes the sign - i.e. changes by $2p_x$.

So the change of momentum $p_x$ per unit time is $$F_x = 2p_x / (a/v_x) = 2p_x/(am/p_x) = 2p_x^2/am$$ That's equal to $4/a$ times the kinetic energy $K_x$ in the $x$-direction. The pressure is $$p = (F_x+F_y+F_z) / 6a^2 = 3\times 4/a\times K_x / 6a^2 = 4K/a / 6a^2 = 2K/3a^3 $$ But as I have said, the average kinetic (motion) energy per molecule is $K=3kT/2$ where $T$ is the absolute temperature, so the pressure is $$p = 2k/3a^3 = kT/a^3= kT/V$$ Note that we have just derived $pV=kT$ for one molecule or $pV=NkT$ for $N$ molecules - which is what we wanted. The mass of the molecule canceled: if the molecule is heavier, the average velocity at a given temperature is slower. But that doesn't matter - because the molecule has a greater momentum (because of the higher mass) which is compensated by the longer time it needs to get from one side to the other to transfer this momentum.

So for a fixed temperature, the pressure is independent of the molecule type.

  • $\begingroup$ A very good answer. I need to think it through, but I believe it. Thanks. $\endgroup$ –  user1267 Commented Feb 7, 2011 at 22:58
  • $\begingroup$ Is avagadro's law true for even real vaan der Waals gasses. I guess not. Am I right $\endgroup$ –  Shashaank Commented Mar 27, 2017 at 19:06
  • $\begingroup$ @Shashaank - yes, it's obviously precisely true even for non-ideal gases. This law just converts the number of atoms or molecules to moles. If you correctly define the mole as the Avogadro constant of molecules or atoms, the law is tautologically true. ... But it's not empty because at low pressures etc., every gas approaches the ideal one so there are independent ways to measure the amount of the gas in moles. So again, Avogadro's $N=n N_A$ is always true, $pV=nkT$ needs ideal gases. $\endgroup$ –  Luboš Motl Commented Apr 2, 2017 at 4:30
  • $\begingroup$ But the answer just below yours says it's true only for ideal gasses. Even this one says so physics.stackexchange.com/a/129149/113699 Are they wrong ? But all real gasses at STP don't acquire 22.4 litres. I guess I am missing the basic . But then the other answers say it's true for only ideal gas.... $\endgroup$ –  Shashaank Commented Apr 2, 2017 at 6:09
  • $\begingroup$ Actually there are certain such questions which are confusing. Eg : Griffith says the Current Is a Vector but answers here say it's not a vector. $\endgroup$ –  Shashaank Commented Apr 2, 2017 at 6:20

Avogadro's hypothesis holds only for ideal gases. For example, if we take a van der Waals gas with equation of state $$ (P + n^2 a / V)(V - n b) = nRT $$ it is easy to see that, for fixed $P$, $V$, $T$, the number of moles $n$ depends on the parameters $a$ and $b$, which in general will change from one type of gas to the other.

Carlos's user avatar

"My mental image of this is that it would be like adding water to a bucket of marbles, and that, evidently, is wrong, but why is it wrong?"

To the extent that a gas can be represented by the "ideal gas" model, the volume of the gas molecules is negligible compared to the volume of the container. Your intuition would apply in the limit of very high densities.

For the ideal gas case, you might think of the volume as being supported by pressure in a manner similar to how popping popcorn can support a volume in excess of the volume of the popcorn itself. It happens dynamically; the volume is almost entirely empty of molecules.

Carl Brannen's user avatar

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Avogadro's hypothesis.

  • noun the principle that equal volumes of all gases (given the same temperature and pressure) contain equal numbers of molecules synonyms: Avogadro's law see more see less type of: law , law of nature a generalization that describes recurring facts or events in nature

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COMMENTS

  1. Avogadro's law

    Avogadro's law (sometimes referred to as Avogadro's hypothesis or Avogadro's principle) or Avogadro-Ampère's hypothesis is an experimental gas law relating the volume of a gas to the amount of substance of gas present. [1] The law is a specific case of the ideal gas law.A modern statement is: Avogadro's law states that "equal volumes of all gases, at the same temperature and pressure, have ...

  2. Avogadro's law

    Avogadro's number. Avogadro's law, a statement that under the same conditions of temperature and pressure, equal volumes of different gases contain an equal number of molecules. This empirical relation can be derived from the kinetic theory of gases under the assumption of a perfect (ideal) gas. The law is approximately valid for real gases ...

  3. Avogadro's Law

    Avogadro's law is also known as Avogadro's hypothesis or Avogadro's principle. It is related to the other ideal gas laws: Boyle's law (1662), Charles's law (1787) and Gay-Lussac's law (1808). French physicist and mathematician André-Marie Ampère published the same law as Avogadro, but in 1814.

  4. Avogadro's Law

    What is Avogadro's Law? Avogadro's law, also known as Avogadro's principle or Avogadro's hypothesis, is a gas law which states that the total number of atoms/molecules of a gas (i.e. the amount of gaseous substance) is directly proportional to the volume occupied by the gas at constant temperature and pressure.

  5. Avogadro's Law: Definition, Formula, Equation And Examples

    This was Avogadro's initial hypothesis. This law was applicable to ideal gases, while real gases show a slight deviation from it. The modern definition of Avogadro's law is that for a particular mass of an ideal gas, the amount (number of moles) and volume of the gas are directly proportional, provided the temperature and pressure ...

  6. What Is Avogadro's Law? Definition and Example

    Definition and Example. Italian chemist Amedeo Avogadro proposed Avogadro's Law in 1811 to describe the behavior of gases at equal pressure. DEA/CHOMON/Getty Images. Avogadro's Law is the relation which states that at the same temperature and pressure, equal volumes of all gases contain the same number of molecules.

  7. Avogadro's law (video)

    Explore Avogadro's Law with this engaging lesson. Discover how the Italian chemist Amedeo Avogadro's experiments with tiny particles led to the postulation that equal volumes of gas at the same temperature and pressure contain equal number of particles. This fundamental principle forms the basis of the ideal gas equation, a cornerstone in the ...

  8. Avogadro's Hypothesis -- from Eric Weisstein's World of Physics

    Avogadro's Hypothesis. In 1811, Italian physicist and mathematician Amedeo Avogadro published a hypothesis (also termed Avogadro's law or principle) stating that the volume of a gas is directly proportional to the number of molecules of the gas. This is represented by the formula. where a is a constant, V is the volume of the gas, and N is the ...

  9. Define Avogadro's hypothesis.

    Define Avogadro's hypothesis. Flexi Says: Avogadro's hypothesis, also known as Avogadro's law, states that equal volumes of all gases, at the same temperature and pressure, contain an equal number of molecules. This hypothesis is fundamental to the theory of gases. Mathematically, it can be expressed as: V ∝ n. where: V is the volume of the gas,

  10. Avogadro's Law: Statement, Formula, Examples, and Problems

    Avogadro's Number. Let us rewrite the ideal gas law as follows: PV = (N/NA)RT. The ratio N/NAgives the number of moles or n = N/NA. Here, N is the number of molecules in the gas, and NAis known as Avogadro's number. It is the number of molecules present in one mole of a substance. Its value is 6.023 x 1023. Molar Volume.

  11. Avogadro's Hypothesis: Law: Example: Application

    Avogadro's Hypothesis, introduced by Amaedo Avogardro in 1811, explains that in every gas the number of molecules is proportional to the volume. He replaced the term 'atoms' in the Berzelius hypothesis with the term 'molecules' and postulated a law, popularly known as Avogadro's hypothesis. Avogadro's hypothesis states, "Equal ...

  12. Avogadros Hypothesis

    The law of Avogadro provides a means to measure the amount of gas present in a receptacle. This law is sometimes even called Avogadro's principle or Avogadro's hypothesis. It is a kind of an experimental gas law that relates the gas volume to the quantity of gaseous substance present. It is a precise case of an ideal gas law.

  13. Avogadro's Hypothesis Definition & Meaning

    The meaning of AVOGADRO'S LAW is a law in chemistry: equal volumes of all gases at the same temperature and pressure contain equal numbers of molecules —called also Avogadro's hypothesis.

  14. Avogadro's Hypothesis: Explanation, Formula, Derivation, Example

    Avogadro's law, also known as Avogadro's principle or Avogadro's hypothesis, is a gas law that states that at constant temperature and pressure, the total number of atoms/molecules of a gas (i.e. the amount of gaseous substance) is directly proportional to the volume occupied by the gas.

  15. Avogadro's Law: Definition, Formula, Derivation, Examples

    Derivation of Avogadro's Law. The ideal gas equation, which can be written as follows, can be used to figure out Avogadro's law: PV=nRT. Where, P= the pressure that the gas puts on the walls of its container. V= volume that the gas did take up. n=number of moles of gas. R= gas constant.

  16. Avogadro's Hypothesis: Definition, Examples & Applications

    Ans: The applications of Avogadro's Hypothesis are. Avogadro's law helps in determining the atomicity of elementary gases such as hydrogen, oxygen, chlorine, etc. It helps in the determination of the relationship between vapour density and molar mass of a gas. V a p o u r d e n s i t y = M o l a r m a s s 2.

  17. Why is Avogadro's hypothesis true?

    3. Avogadro's hypothesis holds only for ideal gases. For example, if we take a van der Waals gas with equation of state. (P +n2a/V)(V − nb) = nRT ( P + n 2 a / V) ( V − n b) = n R T. it is easy to see that, for fixed P P, V V, T T, the number of moles n n depends on the parameters a a and b b, which in general will change from one type of ...

  18. Avogadro's hypothesis

    Avogadro's hypothesis: 1 n the principle that equal volumes of all gases (given the same temperature and pressure) contain equal numbers of molecules Synonyms: Avogadro's law Type of: law , law of nature a generalization that describes recurring facts or events in nature

     is a constant, is the volume of the gas, and is the number of gas molecules. Therefore, equal volumes of gases with the same and contain the same number of molecules. with . , , and Avogadro's hypothesis gives the is the , the volume, the number of moles of gas, the , and is the . , , , , ,