Standard temperature and pressure (STP)

Definition

Standard Temperature and Pressure (STP) is a reference point used in physics and chemistry to define a set of conditions for experimental measurements. STP is defined as a temperature of 273.15 K (0°C) and a pressure of 1 atm.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. STP is commonly used as a standard reference point for gas calculations.
2. At STP, one mole of an ideal gas occupies 22.414 liters.
3. STP conditions are crucial for comparing different gases under identical conditions.
4. The Ideal Gas Law ($PV = nRT$) can be simplified using STP values, where $R$ is the universal gas constant.
5. STP differs from Standard Ambient Temperature and Pressure (SATP), which uses different reference values.

Review Questions

• What are the temperature and pressure values that define STP?
• How many liters does one mole of an ideal gas occupy at STP?
• Why is it important to use STP as a reference point in gas calculations?

Related terms

Ideal Gas Law: An equation of state for an ideal gas given by $PV = nRT$, where $P$ is pressure, $V$ is volume, $n$ is moles, $R$ is the universal gas constant, and $T$ is temperature.

Molar Volume: The volume occupied by one mole of a substance; for an ideal gas at STP, this volume is approximately 22.414 liters.

Universal Gas Constant: $R$, the constant in the Ideal Gas Law with a value approximately equal to $8.314 \text{ J/(mol⋅K)}$.