Question

Why is the percent difference in the pressures calculated using the two different equations greater when the gas is in the 3.80 L vessel compared to the 16.10 L vessel?

a) The volume of the vessel has no effect on the pressure difference
b) The smaller vessel has a higher pressure
c) The larger vessel has a higher pressure
d) The gas is in a gaseous state in the smaller vessel

Answer 1

The percent difference in pressures is greater in a smaller vessel due to the inverse relationship between pressure and volume as described by Boyle's law; less volume leads to more frequent gas molecule collisions, and thus, a higher pressure.

Step-by-step explanation:

The percent difference in the pressures calculated using different equations is greater in a smaller volume vessel due to the inverse relationship between pressure and volume described by Boyle's law. When the volume decreases, the pressure increases because the gas molecules have less space to move around and hence collide more frequently with the walls of the container. This effect is more pronounced in a smaller vessel because the reduction in volume leads to a proportionally larger increase in pressure.

The percent difference in pressures is greater in a smaller vessel due to the inverse relationship between pressure and volume as described by Boyle's law; less volume leads to more frequent gas molecule collisions, and thus, a higher pressure.