Final answer:
A rigid container filled with propane, oxygen, nitrogen, or carbon dioxide can contain a significant amount of the gas due to its ability to be compressed. Propane, which is denser than air, can pose a severe fire hazard if leaked, as it will collect near the floor. Standard conditions allow for consistent comparisons of gas volumes, as 1 mole occupies 22.4 liters at STP.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding Gases in Rigid Containers
When a rigid container is filled with a gas such as propane, oxygen, nitrogen, or carbon dioxide, the properties of the gas are constrained by the unchangeable volume of the container. These gases follow the general gas laws which indicate that gases try to fill their containers completely, exerting pressure on the walls of the container.
Propane is a common fuel that, when contained, needs careful management due to its higher density compared to air (1.88 g/L versus 1.2 g/L). This density factor is crucial in understanding the safety measures in case of leakages as propane will collect near the floor, creating a fire hazard. Similarly, oxygen is essential for life, and in tanks, it can be compressed to a high degree, allowing for a significant amount of oxygen to be stored in a relatively small container.
The concept of compressing a gas, such as capping a tank to prevent overflow, will lead to leakage or potential bursting due to the resistance of gases to compression. Rigid containers can cope with this to an extent by having air gaps that allow for minor expansions and contractions without stressing the container, although this is not an effective method for controlling large volumes of expanding gas.
When studying gases, it is essential to note that at standard temperature and pressure (STP), 1 mole of any gas will occupy 22.4 liters. This reference is used to compare the volumes of gases under identical conditions and is central to gas law calculations.