Certified Transport Registered Nurse Certification Practice Exam

Which statement best defines the concept of Dalton's Gang?

1. All gases exert pressure independently

2. Gases combine to form different compounds

3. Gases can dissolve based on temperature

4. Gases behave differently under various pressures

The correct answer is: All gases exert pressure independently

The concept of Dalton's Gang is best defined by the assertion that all gases exert pressure independently. This principle is closely associated with Dalton's Law of Partial Pressures, which states that in a mixture of non-reacting gases, the total pressure exerted is equal to the sum of the partial pressures of each individual gas. Each gas in the mixture does not interfere with the others and behaves as if it occupies the entire volume alone, allowing for independent pressure exertion based on its own properties and amount. Understanding this principle is crucial for applications in respiratory physiology, anesthesia, and various fields of engineering and chemistry where gas mixtures are involved, as it provides insights into how gases interact in diverse environments whether they are in a container or in biological systems.