Question

Does the volume of a fixed quantity of gas decrease to half its original value when the temperature is lowered from 100 ∘c to 50 ∘c ?

Answer 1

No

Step-by-step explanation:

Let's assume the gas pressure is constant. Then we can use Charle's law, which states that the volume of the gas is proportional to the absolute temperature (in Kelvin):

`(V)/(T)=const.`

This can be rewritten as

`(V_1)/(T_1)=(V_2)/(T_2)`

where we have

`T_1 = 100^(\circ)+273 =373 K` is the initial temperature of the gas

`T_2 = 50^(\circ)+273 =323 K` is the final temperature of the gas

Re-arranging the previous equation, we find

`V_2=V_1 (T_2)/(T_1)=V_1 (323 K)/(373 K)=0.87 V_1`

so, the volume of the gas decreases by a factor 0.87.