Certified Transport Registered Nurse Certification Practice Exam

Dalton's Law is primarily concerned with what aspect of gases?

1. Volume of gas

2. Partial pressure of gases

3. Temperature of gases

4. Density of gases

The correct answer is: Partial pressure of gases

Dalton's Law is a foundational principle in the study of gases, specifically addressing the behavior of mixtures of gases. It states that in a mixture of non-reacting gases, the total pressure exerted by the gas mixture is equal to the sum of the partial pressures of the individual gases present. Each gas in the mixture exerts its own pressure, which is independent of the pressures of the other gases. This principle is crucial for understanding how different gases contribute to the overall pressure of a gas mixture, particularly in clinical settings where understanding gas dynamics can influence patient care, such as in respiratory therapy and anesthesiology. While the other options touch upon important properties of gases, none capture the essence of Dalton's Law as effectively. The law does not focus on volume (which is the space occupied by the gas), temperature (which affects gas behavior but is not the law’s focus), or density (a property resulting from both mass and volume).