Question

gas laws

a scientist is measuring the pressure exerted by each of the following gases in the atmosphere: carbon dioxide, oxygen, and nitrogen. which term most likely describes what the scientist is measuring?

• combined pressure
• initial pressure
• partial pressure
• final pressure

Explanation:

Identify the physical scenario

The scientist is measuring the individual pressure exerted by each specific gas (carbon dioxide, oxygen, and nitrogen) within a mixture of gases (the atmosphere).

Define the relevant gas law concept

In a mixture of non-reacting gases, the individual pressure exerted by a single component gas is defined as its partial pressure.

Match with the given options

Measuring the pressure of each individual gas in a mixture corresponds directly to measuring its "partial pressure".

Answer:

• combined pressure
• initial pressure
• partial pressure (Correct answer)
• final pressure