Final answer:
Using Boyle's Law, the volume of oxygen under a pressure of 40 psi is calculated to be 5 in³, given an initial volume of 20 in³ at 10 psi.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question involves the calculation of the volume of a gas (oxygen in this case) under different pressures, using the principles of gas behavior under varying conditions. This falls under the subject of Physics, specifically the study of gases, which is part of the high school curriculum. Using Boyle's Law, which states that the pressure of a gas is inversely proportional to its volume when temperature and amount of gas are held constant (P1V1 = P2V2), we can determine the unknown volume of oxygen under the new pressure.
Given:
Initial pressure, P1: 10 psi
Initial volume, V1: 20 in³
Final pressure, P2: 40 psi
To find: Final volume, V2:?
Using the formula from Boyle's Law:
P1V1 = P2V2
(10 psi)(20 in³) = (40 psi)(V2)
200 in³ = 40 psi * V2
V2 = 200 in³ / 40 psi
V2 = 5 in³
Therefore, the volume of oxygen under a pressure of 40 psi, given its volume is 20 in³ under 10 psi pressure, is 5 in³, which corresponds to option (a).