1. What is Mole Fraction and Partial Pressure?

The mole fraction is the ratio of the number of moles of one component to the total number of moles in a mixture. Partial pressure is the pressure that a component in a mixture of gases would exert if it alone occupied the entire volume.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( P_i \) — Partial pressure of water (Pa)
• \( n_i \) — Moles of water (mol)
• \( n_{total} \) — Total moles in system (mol)
• \( P_{total} \) — Total system pressure (Pa)

Explanation: The equation calculates the mole fraction first (n_i/n_total), then multiplies it by the total pressure to get the partial pressure.

3. Importance of These Calculations

Details: These calculations are essential in chemical engineering, atmospheric science, and industrial processes where gas mixtures are involved. They help predict vapor-liquid equilibrium, design separation processes, and understand gas behavior.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter moles of water, total moles in system, and total system pressure. All values must be positive, and moles of water cannot exceed total moles.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What units should I use?
A: Moles should be in mol and pressure in Pascals (Pa). For other units, convert to these before calculation.

Q2: Does this work for ideal gases only?
A: The equation is exact for ideal gas mixtures. For real gases, it's a good approximation at moderate pressures.

Q3: Can I use this for non-water components?
A: Yes, the same formula applies to any component in a gas mixture.

Q4: What if my system is not at equilibrium?
A: This calculation assumes equilibrium conditions. Non-equilibrium systems require more complex analysis.

Q5: How does temperature affect the result?
A: Temperature affects the total pressure (P_total) but not the mole fraction. For fixed-volume systems, include temperature in your pressure calculation.