The Universal Gas Constant

The ideal gas constant is a Universal constant that we use to quantify the relationship between the properties of a gas.  The constant \(R\) that we typically use relates pressure in atmospheres, volume in liters, and temperature in Kelvin.  In this case, it has the value and units of

\[R=0.08206 {\rm \;\;L\;atm\;mol^{-1}\;K^{-1}}\]

The gas constant \(R\) will appear in many contexts as this is a Universal constant that relates energy and temperature.  A pressure times a volume is an energy.  As such, you will also encounter the gas constant \(R\) in typical energy units of Joules

\[R=8.314 {\rm \;\;J\;mol^{-1}\;K^{-1}}\]

Finally, ignore the blunder in the video where Dr. Vanden Bout can't remember the correct value for \(R\) with units of atm.  The correct value is 0.08206 atm L mol-1 K-1


The Value of R