Ideal Gas Temperature Calculator

Created by Steven Wooding
Reviewed by Krishna Nelaturu
Last updated: Feb 02, 2023

Using this ideal gas temperature calculator, you can find the temperature of an ideal gas based on the amount of gas and its volume. In this article, we'll explain:

• The definition of an ideal gas;
• A formula for calculating its temperature using the ideal gas law;
• Calculate the temperature of an ideal gas if not given moles; and
• What unit of temperature is used in gas law calculations?

What is an ideal gas?

An ideal gas consists of molecules we model as point-like particles with no interactions between them. Such a theoretical gas obeys the gas laws precisely, making the math much more manageable.

Fortunately, certain gases behave like ideal gases at normal temperatures and pressures without too much error. Among these gases are air, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, noble gases, and carbon dioxide. A real gas is very similar to an ideal gas at higher temperatures and lower pressures.

How to calculate temperature using the ideal gas law

What is the temperature of an ideal gas? To answer this, we need to use the ideal gas law, which is given by the following formula:

$\small PV = nRT$

where:

• $P$ – Pressure;
• $V$ – Volume;
• $n$ – Number of gas particles in moles;
• $T$ – Temperature; and
• $R$ – Gas constant, which is equal to 8.3145 J·K-1·mol-1.

To find the equation for the temperature of an ideal gas, we divide both sides of the ideal gas equation by $nR$:

$\small T = \frac{PV}{nR}$

How to use the ideal gas temperature calculator

Here's how to use our ideal gas temperature calculator:

1. Enter the pressure of the gas (select your preferred units first).

2. Input the volume of the gas.

3. In the final step, enter the number of moles of the gas.

4. The calculator will then instantly display the resulting volume of the ideal gas.

To calculate the temperature of an ideal gas if not given moles, you can use the advanced mode of the calculator to calculate the number of moles. You are asked for the total mass of the gas and its molar mass (the mass of one mole).

Other ideal gas law calculators

Here are some other ideal gas law calculators you might be interested in:

FAQ

What unit of temperature is used in gas law calculations?

Kelvin. The Kelvin temperature scale starts at absolute zero and is 273.15 at the freezing point of water. It is used in ideal gas law calculations because the standard gas constant has the units J·K⁻¹·mol⁻¹, which includes the temperature in kelvin.

What is the temperature of 0.2 moles of air in a 5 liter bottle?

31.5 °C, assuming the air is at standard atmospheric pressure (101,325 Pa). This result is calculated as follows:

1. Multiply the pressure and the volume of air in SI units. So that is 0.005 m³ × 101325 Pa = 506.625 m³·Pa.

2. Divide the result from step 1 by the number of moles and the gas constant to get the temperature in kelvins:

506.625 / (0.2 × 8.3145) = 304.7 K

3. Convert to degrees celsius by subtracting 273.15: 304.7 - 273.15 = 31.5 °C

Steven Wooding
Pressure (p)
Pa
Amount of substance (n)
mol
Volume (V)
cu ft
Result
Temperature (T)
°F
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