Explain why unit consistency matters in ideal gas calculations.

The cause of unit consistency in ideal gas calculations is the need for accurate results. When using the ideal gas equation, pV = nRT, each variable must be in its appropriate SI unit: pressure in pascals (Pa), volume in cubic meters (m³), amount in moles (mol), and temperature in kelvins (K). The mechanism linking this cause to the effect is that using inconsistent units can lead to incorrect calculations, as the equation relies on precise relationships between these variables. The effect of maintaining unit consistency is that it ensures the calculations yield valid results, which is crucial for predicting gas behavior accurately in scientific applications.