Ideal Gas Density Calculator

Calculate gas density using ideal gas law with pressure, temperature, and gas properties

Ideal Gas Density Calculator

Note: Use absolute pressure, not gauge pressure

R = R̄/M where R̄ = 8.314 J/(mol·K) and M is molar mass

Gas Density Results

0.0000
kg/m³
0.0000
g/L
0.0000
lb/ft³

Method:

Temperature: 0.00 K

Pressure: 0 Pa

Formula Used

ρ = P / (R × T)

Where ρ = density, P = pressure, R = specific gas constant, T = temperature

Example: Air Density at Standard Conditions

Given Conditions

Gas: Air

Temperature: 15°C = 288.15 K

Pressure: 101,325 Pa (1 atm)

Specific gas constant for air: 287 J/(kg·K)

Calculation

ρ = P / (R × T)

ρ = 101,325 Pa / (287 J/(kg·K) × 288.15 K)

ρ = 101,325 / 82,699

ρ = 1.225 kg/m³

Common Gas Properties

Air

Formula: N₂+O₂

M: 28.97 g/mol

R: 287 J/(kg·K)

Hydrogen

Formula: H₂

M: 2.016 g/mol

R: 4124 J/(kg·K)

Helium

Formula: He

M: 4.003 g/mol

R: 2077 J/(kg·K)

Nitrogen

Formula: N₂

M: 28.014 g/mol

R: 296.8 J/(kg·K)

Oxygen

Formula: O₂

M: 31.999 g/mol

R: 259.8 J/(kg·K)

Carbon Dioxide

Formula: CO₂

M: 44.01 g/mol

R: 188.9 J/(kg·K)

Ideal Gas Validity

High temperature (T >> Tcritical)

Low pressure (P << Pcritical)

Avoid near critical point

High pressure + low temperature

Calculation Tips

Always use absolute pressure (not gauge)

Temperature must be in Kelvin for calculations

Check compressibility factor for accuracy

Consider real gas effects at high pressure

Understanding Ideal Gas Density

What is Ideal Gas Density?

Ideal gas density is the mass per unit volume of a gas under the assumption that it behaves as an ideal gas. This assumes gas molecules have no volume and no intermolecular forces, which is approximately true at high temperatures and low pressures.

Key Principles

  • Density inversely proportional to temperature
  • Density directly proportional to pressure
  • Different gases have different densities
  • Real gases deviate from ideal behavior

Calculation Methods

Method 1: Specific Gas Constant

ρ = P/(R×T)

Use when you know the gas constant

Method 2: Molar Mass

ρ = (M×P)/(R̄×T)

Use when you know molecular weight

Relationship

R = R̄/M

Both methods are equivalent

Limitations of Ideal Gas Law

High Pressure

Molecular volume becomes significant, density higher than predicted

Low Temperature

Intermolecular forces become important, affects behavior

Near Critical Point

Large deviations, use equations of state instead

Practical Applications

Engineering Applications

  • • HVAC system design
  • • Pneumatic system calculations
  • • Gas pipeline design
  • • Combustion air calculations

Scientific Applications

  • • Atmospheric studies
  • • Gas chromatography
  • • Chemical process design
  • • Environmental monitoring