Definition

1. Noun:
   • A fundamental physical constant: The gas constant is a universal constant that appears in the ideal gas law, relating the pressure, volume, and temperature of an ideal gas. It is symbolized by the letter R.

Usage

• The gas constant is used in equations of state for gases, most notably in the ideal gas law: PV = nRT, where P is pressure, V is volume, n is the amount of substance (in moles), and T is temperature.
• It provides a proportionality factor that connects the macroscopic properties of gases to the amount of substance present.

Examples

• Noun:
  • To solve the problem, you need to know the value of the gas constant.
  • The ideal gas law, PV = nRT, is fundamental in thermodynamics, with R representing the gas constant.

Advanced Usage

• "Universal gas constant": A synonym emphasizing its applicability to any ideal gas.
  • The universal gas constant is a key value in physical chemistry.
• "Molar gas constant": Another term highlighting its definition per mole of substance.
  • The molar gas constant appears in many thermodynamic equations.

Variants and Related Words

• Boltzmann constant (k): A related fundamental constant; the gas constant per particle (R divided by Avogadro's number).
  • The Boltzmann constant is used in statistical mechanics.

Synonyms

• Universal gas constant
• Molar gas constant
• Ideal gas constant

Notes on Different Meanings

• As a scientific term, "gas constant" has a single, precise meaning. It does not have common idiomatic or figurative uses outside of physics and chemistry.

Noun

1. (physics) the universal constant in the gas equation: pressure times volume = R times temperature; equal to 8.3143 joules per kelvin per mole