Question

The pressure of a sample of helium in a 1.0-L container is 0.857 atm. What is the new pressure if the sample is placed in a 0.5-L container? (Assume the temperature is constant.)

0.143 atm
0.429 atm
1.38 atm
1.71 atm

Answer 1

The new pressure is 1.714 atm

calculation

The new pressure is calculated using the Boyle's law formula

that is P₁V₁= P₂V₂

where P₁=0.857 atm

V₁ = 1.0 L

P₂ = ?

V₂= 0.5 L

make P2 the subject of the formula by diving both side by V₂

P₂ = P₁V₁ / V₂

P₂ = (0.857 atm x 1.0 L)/ 0.5 L = 1.714 atm