Question

a sample of gas isolated from unrefined petroleum contains 90.0% methane, 8.90% ethane, and 1.10% propane at a total pressure of 307.2 kPa. what is the partial pressure of propane? respond with correct number of significant figures.

Answer 1

Answer:

Step 1: Explanation

According to Dalton's Law of Partial Pressures the partial pressure of a component of a gaseous mixture depends on the mole ratio of each component and the total pressure of the gaseous mixture

Partial pressure of component = mole fraction of that component  x total pressure

Step 2: Calculation of mole fraction

mole fraction of methane = 90 %  / 100 % = 0.9

mole fraction of ethane = 8.90 %  / 100 % = 0.089

mole fraction of propane = 1.10 %  / 100 % = 0.011

Step 3: Calculation of partial pressure of propane

We know

Partial pressure of component = mole fraction of that component  x total pressure

we got,

total pressure = 307.2 kPa

mole fraction of propane = 0.011

Partial pressure of Propane   = mole fraction × Total pressure = 0.011 × 307.2 kPa = 3.38 kPa

hence, the partial pressure of propane = 3.38 kPa [ note: exact value of partial presure = 3.3792 kPa]