Which fundamental constant is required in the ideal gas law?

The ideal gas law is expressed by the equation PV = nRT, where each variable and constant plays a crucial role in describing the behavior of an ideal gas. In this equation, R represents the universal gas constant. It is essential because it relates the other variables in the equation, combining pressure (P), volume (V), and temperature (T) in a way that provides a complete description of the state of an ideal gas.

R allows us to convert between different units of pressure, volume, and temperature, depending on what system or context is being used. Without this constant, the equation would not be dimensionally consistent, and it would not hold true across different conditions or measures.

While k typically refers to specific constants in thermodynamics, n signifies the number of moles of a gas, and P denotes pressure, none of these alone can fulfill the role that R does in linking the other factors in the ideal gas law. Therefore, R is indeed the fundamental constant required for the ideal gas law to be valid.