Final answer:
To find the initial pressure of the hydrogen gas, we can use the combined gas law, which states that the product of initial pressure and initial volume is equal to the product of final pressure and final volume. Substituting the given values into the equation, we can solve for the initial pressure. The hydrogen gas exerted a pressure of approximately 4.27 bar before its volume was decreased.
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine the initial pressure of the hydrogen gas before its volume was decreased, we can use the combined gas law, which states that the product of initial pressure and initial volume is equal to the product of final pressure and final volume, assuming temperature and amount are constant.
We can set up the equation as follows:
P1V1 = P2V2
Substituting the given values into the equation, we have:
P1(13.56 L) = (8.49 bar)(6.85 L)
Solving for P1, the initial pressure:
P1 = (8.49 bar)(6.85 L) / (13.56 L)
P1 ≈ 4.27 bar
Therefore, the hydrogen gas exerted a pressure of approximately 4.27 bar before its volume was decreased.