Question

A mixture of methane and carbon dioxide gases contains methane at a partial pressure of 431 mm Hg and carbon dioxide at a
partial pressure of 504 mm Hg. What is the mole fraction of each gas in the mixture?
XCHA
Xc02

Answer 1

Answer:

XCH₄ = 0.461

XCO₂ = 0.539

Explanation:

Step 1: Given data

• Partial pressure of methane (pCH₄): 431 mmHg

• Partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO₂): 504 mmHg

Step 2: Calculate the total pressure in the container

We will sum both partial pressures.

P = pCH₄ + pCO₂

P = 431 mmHg + 504 mmHg = 935 mmHg

Step 3: Calculate the mole fraction of each gas

We will use the following expression.

Xi = pi / P

XCH₄ = pCH₄/P = 431 mmHg/935 mmHg = 0.461

XCO₂ = pCO₂/P = 504 mmHg/935 mmHg = 0.539