Final answer:
The initial volume of the helium gas is approximately 22.56 L when the pressure is 860.0 mm Hg.
Step-by-step explanation:
In order to determine the pressure of the helium gas when the volume of the cylinder changes to 40 L, we can use Boyle's Law, which states that the pressure and volume of a gas are inversely proportional when the temperature is held constant. Mathematically, this can be represented as P1V1 = P2V2, where P1 and V1 are the initial pressure and volume, and P2 and V2 are the final pressure and volume.
Given that the initial pressure of the gas is 770.0 mm Hg and the initial volume is unknown, we can rearrange the equation to solve for V1: V1 = (P2 * V2) / P1 = (770.0 mm Hg * 25.0 L) / 860.0 mm Hg = 22.56 L.
Therefore, the initial volume of the gas when the pressure is 860.0 mm Hg is approximately 22.56 L.