New Standard Temperature and Pressure (STP) vs. Old STP: A Comparative Analysis (with practice questions )

Standard Temperature and Pressure (STP) are reference conditions used in chemistry and physics to compare gas behaviors under defined conditions. These conditions are crucial for calculations involving gases, such as molar volume, density, and reaction kinetics. However, over time, the definition of STP has been revised by scientific organizations, leading to differences in calculations and experimental results. This article explores the differences between the old STP and the new STP, their implications, and their significance in scientific studies.  

Definition of STP: Old vs. New  

 Parameter                              Old STP (Pre-1982, IUPAC)         New STP (After 1982, IUPAC) 

 Temperature                                          0°C (273.15 K)                            0°C (273.15 K) 

 Pressure                                              1 atm (101.325 kPa)                     1 bar (100 kPa) 

 Molar Volume of Gas                           22.414 L/mol                              22.711 L/mol 

The primary change in the new STP definition is the standard pressure value, which has been lowered from 1 atm (101.325 kPa) to 1 bar (100 kPa). This small but significant shift affects gas volume calculations.  

Key Differences and Their Impact

1. Change in Pressure Standard 

   - The older standard used 1 atmosphere (101.325 kPa) as the reference pressure.  

   - The new definition uses 1 bar (100 kPa), which is slightly lower than 1 atm.  

2. Effect on Molar Volume of Gases

   - Under old STP, 1 mole of an ideal gas occupied 22.414 L 

   - Under new STP, the volume has slightly increased to 22.711 L, due to the lower pressure.  

3. Impact on Gas Law Calculations

   - When using PV = nRT (Ideal Gas Law), R (gas constant) remains the same (8.314 J/mol·K), but slight variations in pressure affect the calculations of gas properties.  

   - Scientists working with gas volumes need to be aware of which STP definition is being used to avoid calculation errors.  

4. Influence on Experimental Chemistry  

   - Many old textbooks and experimental data are based on 1 atm STP, so transitioning to the new STP requires recalculating gas properties.  

   - Industries that rely on precise gas measurements, such as chemical manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and environmental science, need to adjust their protocols.  

5. Consistency with SI Units 

   - The shift to 1 bar (100 kPa) aligns with the International System of Units (SI)

Other Standards

Normal Temperature and Pressure (NTP)

Normal Temperature and Pressure (NTP) is a standard set of conditions commonly used in scientific calculations, particularly in chemistry and physics. It refers to a temperature of 293.15 K (20°C) and a pressure of 1 atmosphere (101.325 kPa or 760 mmHg). NTP is often used as a reference point for gas laws, allowing for consistent and comparable measurements of gas volumes, densities, and behaviors.

Standard Ambient Temperature and Pressure (SATP)

Standard Ambient Temperature and Pressure (SATP) is a commonly used reference condition in scientific and engineering applications, particularly in thermodynamics and gas calculations. It is defined by the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) as a temperature of 298.15 K (25°C) and a pressure of 1 atm 

Practice Q&A

1. What is the temperature and pressure for old Standard Temperature and Pressure (STP)?

   • Temperature: 273.15 K (0°C)
   • Pressure: 1 atm (101.325 kPa)

2. What is the temperature and pressure for new Standard Temperature and Pressure (STP) as defined by IUPAC?

   • Temperature: 273.15 K (0°C)
   • Pressure: 1 bar (100 kPa)

3. What are the standard conditions of Normal Temperature and Pressure (NTP)?

   • Temperature: 293.15 K (20°C)
   • Pressure: 1 atm (101.325 kPa)

4. Define Standard Ambient Temperature and Pressure (SATP) with its temperature and pressure values.

   • Temperature: 298.15 K (25°C)
   • Pressure: 1 atm (101.325 kPa)

5. How does the temperature of NTP differ from STP?

   • NTP has a temperature of 293.15 K (20°C), whereas STP has 273.15 K (0°C).
   • NTP is 20 K (or 20°C) higher than STP.

6. What is the difference in pressure between old STP and new STP?

   • Old STP: 1 atm (101.325 kPa)
   • New STP: 1 bar (100 kPa)
   • Difference: 1.325 kPa (Old STP has slightly higher pressure)

7. Why was the definition of STP changed by IUPAC?

   • The pressure was changed from 1 atm to 1 bar because 1 bar (100 kPa) is a more convenient and commonly used value in scientific and engineering applications.

8. Which standard condition (STP, NTP, or SATP) is closest to typical laboratory conditions?

   • SATP (298.15 K, 25°C, 1 bar) is closest to room temperature and ambient pressure in laboratories.

9. Why are STP, NTP, and SATP used in gas law calculations?

   • These conditions provide standardized reference points for comparing gas properties like volume, density, and reaction rates, ensuring consistency in calculations.

10. Which of these conditions (STP, NTP, or SATP) has the highest temperature?

• SATP (298.15 K or 25°C) has the highest temperature.

11. Compare the pressures of NTP and SATP.

• NTP pressure: 1 atm (101.325 kPa)
• SATP pressure: 1 atm (101.325 kPa)

12. What is the unit of pressure used in the new STP definition?

• The new STP uses 1 bar (100 kPa) as the standard pressure unit.

13. How does gas volume measurement change under different standard conditions?

• Gas volume depends on temperature and pressure.
• At higher temperatures, gas expands, so volume increases.
• At higher pressures, gas compresses, so volume decreases.

14. If a gas occupies 22.4 L at old STP, will it occupy the same volume at new STP? Why or why not?

• No, because the pressure at new STP (1 bar) is slightly lower than old STP (1 atm), causing the gas to expand slightly.
• The new volume is about 22.7 L at new STP instead of 22.4 L at old STP.