Question

in a mixture of noble gases, neon has a mole fraction of 0.5, argon has a mole fraction of 0.3, and xenon has a mole fraction of 0.2. which gas will have the greatest partial pressure?
select the correct answer below:
neon
argon
xenon
these will all have the same partial pressure

Explanation:

Step1: Recall Dalton's law of partial pressures

The partial pressure \(P_i\) of a gas \(i\) in a mixture is given by \(P_i = x_iP_{total}\), where \(x_i\) is the mole fraction of gas \(i\) and \(P_{total}\) is the total pressure of the mixture.

Step2: Compare mole fractions

Given \(x_{Ne}=0.5\), \(x_{Ar} = 0.3\), \(x_{Xe}=0.2\). Since \(P_{total}\) is the same for all gases in the mixture, and \(P_i\propto x_i\) (because \(P_i=x_iP_{total}\) and \(P_{total}\) is constant).

Since \(0.5>0.3>0.2\), neon (\(Ne\)) with the highest mole fraction (\(x = 0.5\)) will have the greatest partial pressure.

Answer:

neon