Which unit of temperature is commonly used in gas law calculations?

• A. Kelvin
• B. Fahrenheit
• C. Rankine
• D. Celsius

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that gas law calculations require an absolute temperature scale to ensure the relationships between pressure, volume, and temperature are accurate.
2. Recall that the Kelvin scale is an absolute temperature scale starting at absolute zero, where molecular motion theoretically stops.
3. Recognize that Celsius and Fahrenheit are relative temperature scales and can have negative values, which are not suitable for gas law equations.
4. Note that Rankine is an absolute scale like Kelvin but is primarily used in engineering fields involving Fahrenheit units, not commonly in general chemistry.
5. Conclude that the Kelvin scale is the standard and most commonly used unit of temperature in gas law calculations because it directly relates to the kinetic energy of gas particles.