Question

If the volume occupied by a gas decreases by 1/3 (i.e. to 2/3 of original volume), what will happen to the pressure of the gas?

A. Increase by 1/3
B. Decrease by 1/3
C. Increase by 50%
D. Decrease by 50%

Answer 1

When the volume occupied by a gas decreases to 2/3 its original volume, the pressure of the gas increases by 50% according to Boyle's Law.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question is related to Boyle's Law, which states that the pressure of a gas is inversely proportional to its volume when the temperature and the number of molecules are constant. If the volume occupied by a gas decreases to 2/3 of its original volume, this means the volume is decreased by a factor of 1.5 (since 1 divided by (2/3) equals 1.5). According to Boyle's Law, when the volume of a gas is reduced, the pressure increases if the temperature is constant. Hence, when the volume decreases by 1/3, the pressure must increase to maintain the equilibrium. This increase is by a factor of 1.5, which is equivalent to an increase of 50%.