If 1 g of each of the following gases are taken at STP, which of the gases will occupy (a) greatest volume and (b) smallest volume?

CO, H2O, CH4, NO


From Avogadro's law, we know that
Volume of 1 mole of the gas = gram molecular mass = 22.4 L at STP
Volume occupied by 28 g CO (1 mol CO) = 22.4 L at STP (Molar mass of CO=12+16=28 g mol-1)
 Volume occupied by 1 g CO=22.428 L at STP
Similarly, volume occupied by 1 g H2O=22.418L at STP
(Molar mass of H2O=(2×1)+16=18 g mol-1)
Volume occupied by 1 g CH4=22.416L at STP
(Molar mass of CH4=12+(4×1)=16 g mol-1)
Volume occupied by 1 g NO=22.430L at STP
(Molar mass of NO=14+16=30 g mol-1)
Thus, 1 g CH4 will occupy maximum volume while 1 g of NO will occupy minimum volume at STP.