Question

An airtight can is placed in a cooler. The temperature of the gas in the can decreases from 25°C to 5°C. Jane says that because the temperature is now five times less, the pressure will also become five times less than its previous value. What response would you give to Jane?

A. The pressure will become five times less.
B. The pressure will remain the same.
C. The pressure will decrease but not necessarily five times less.
D. The pressure will increase.

Answer 1

According to Boyle's Law, the pressure of a gas will decrease when the temperature decreases and the volume remains constant. However, the decrease in pressure will not necessarily be five times less than its previous value.

Step-by-step explanation:

Jane's statement that the pressure will become five times less is incorrect. According to Boyle's Law, which states that the pressure and volume of a gas are inversely proportional at constant temperature, if the temperature decreases and the volume remains constant, the pressure will also decrease. However, the decrease in pressure will not necessarily be five times less than its previous value. The pressure and temperature of a gas are directly proportional, so a decrease in temperature will lead to a decrease in pressure. Therefore, the correct response to Jane is option C: The pressure will decrease but not necessarily five times less.