Question

If I have a gas at 310 mL and 58°C, what is the volume at 15°C? Explain how you rounded your number for the answer.

Answer 1

To find the new volume of gas at 15°C, convert temperatures to Kelvin, apply Charles's Law equation V1/T1 = V2/T2, and solve for V2 using the formula. Finish by ensuring your answer reflects the correct number of significant figures.

Step-by-step explanation:

The problem you are dealing with is related to Charles's Law, which states that the volume of a fixed amount of gas maintained at constant pressure is directly proportional to its absolute temperature (in Kelvin). To find the new volume of the gas at 15°C, we need to follow these steps involving Charles's Law:

1. Convert both temperatures from Celsius to Kelvin by adding 273.15 to each Celsius temperature: Initial temperature (T1) is 58°C + 273.15 = 331.15 K, and final temperature (T2) is 15°C + 273.15 = 288.15 K.
2. Use Charles's Law, V1/T1 = V2/T2, to solve for V2 (the final volume).
3. Substitute the known values into the equation: (310 mL / 331.15 K) = V2 / 288.15 K.
4. Solve for V2: V2 = (310 mL * 288.15 K) / 331.15 K.
5. Calculate the answer and round it appropriately if necessary, taking into account significant figures.

When calculating the final volume, ensure that the number of significant figures in your answer reflects the number of significant figures provided in the measurements of the question.