Partial Pressure
| Formula / Notation | p_i = x_i × P_total; P_total = Σp_i |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Partial pressure of gas, p_i, Dalton partial pressure, component pressure |
What is Partial Pressure?
The pressure exerted by one component of a gas mixture as if it alone occupied the container. According to Dalton's law, the total pressure of a gas mixture equals the sum of partial pressures. Partial pressure is proportional to the mole fraction of each component.
Formula & Notation
Other Names / Synonyms: Partial pressure of gas, p_i, Dalton partial pressure, component pressure
Properties & Characteristics
Uses & Applications
Safety Information
Always consult the SDS/MSDS before handling any chemical. This information is for educational purposes only.
Key Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
The pressure exerted by one component of a gas mixture as if it alone occupied the container. According to Dalton's law, the total pressure of a gas mixture equals the sum of partial pressures. Partial pressure is proportional to the mole fraction of each component.
Partial pressure is used in: calculating gas equilibrium constants Kp (expressed as dimensionless p/p° ratios), respiratory physiology (partial pressure of O₂ in lung alveoli drives gas exchange into blood: pO₂ = 13.3 kPa in alveoli), anaesthesia (minimum alveolar concentration is a partial pressure…
Oxygen partial pressure: deficiency (pO₂ < ~11 kPa) causes hypoxia; excess (pO₂ > ~140 kPa) causes oxygen toxicity (seizures, pulmonary damage in divers). Toxic gas partial pressures in mixtures determine their hazard: CO partial pressure of 0.1 kPa in a 1 atm atmosphere is acutely dangerous (≈ 1000…
The formula or notation for Partial Pressure is: p_i = x_i × P_total; P_total = Σp_i