What is the equation for partial pressure represented in the context of gases?

The equation for partial pressure, represented in the context of gases, is accurately captured in the equation Pi = XiPt. In this equation:

• Pi refers to the partial pressure of a specific gas within a mixture of gases.

• Xi represents the mole fraction of that specific gas in the total gas mixture.

• Pt denotes the total pressure of the gas mixture.

This equation stems from Dalton's Law of Partial Pressures, which states that the total pressure of a gas mixture is equal to the sum of the partial pressures of each individual gas present in the mixture. The mole fraction (Xi) is a dimensionless number defined as the ratio of the number of moles of the specific gas to the total number of moles of all gases in the mixture. By multiplying the mole fraction by the total pressure, you yield the partial pressure of that specific gas.

Thus, this relationship illustrates how the behavior of gases in mixtures can be quantitatively understood, making it fundamental for fields such as chemistry, physics, and various medical applications involving gas exchange and respiration.