In an ideal gas law experiment, how is the temperature of the hydrogen gas typically determined?

• A. By measuring the temperature of the water bath surrounding the gas collection vessel
• B. By using a colorimetric indicator that changes color with temperature
• C. By calculating it from the pressure and volume using the ideal gas law
• D. By assuming room temperature without any measurement

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that in an ideal gas law experiment, the temperature of the gas must be known accurately to apply the ideal gas law \(PV = nRT\) correctly.
2. Recognize that directly measuring the temperature of a gas inside a collection vessel can be challenging, so an indirect but reliable method is used.
3. Note that the gas is often collected in a vessel submerged in a water bath, which maintains a uniform and stable temperature.
4. Measure the temperature of the water bath using a thermometer, as the gas inside the vessel will be in thermal equilibrium with the surrounding water, meaning they share the same temperature.
5. Use this measured water bath temperature as the temperature of the hydrogen gas for calculations involving the ideal gas law.