A gaseous mixture contains nitrogen and helium with a pressure of 1 atomosphere. The total pressure in the container is 3 atmospheres. What is the partial pressure of the nitrogen?

The partial pressure of the nitrogen will be 2 atm.

Explanation:

The total pressure of a gas mixture is the total sum of pressures of the individual gases exerted on the walls of the container.

Partial pressure is the force exerted by the one gas type of gas molecules on the unit area of the container.

The formula is Pt = P1 + P2 ... Pn.

In this question,

Pt = 3 atm

Ph = 1 atm

Pn = ?

By putting values in formula:

Pn = Pt - Ph

Pn = 3 - 1 = 2 atm.

Hence the partial pressure of the nitrogen will be 2 atm.