Question

A sample of gas has an initial volume of 3.00 L and an initial pressure of 2.14 atm. If the volume expands to 8.15 L, what is the final pressure?a. 0.855 atm b. 0.788 atm c. 3.49 atm d. 5.81 atm

Answer 1

The final pressure is 0.788 atm (option b).

Step-by-step explanation:

Boyle's law says that the volume occupied by a given gaseous mass at constant temperature is inversely proportional to pressure. That is: if the pressure increases, the volume decreases, while if the pressure decreases, the volume increases. This is expressed mathematically as the product of pressure times volume equal to a constant value:

P*V=k

Assuming a certain volume of gas V1 that is at a pressure P1 at the beginning of the experiment, by varying the volume of gas to a new value V2, then the pressure will change to P2, and it will be fulfilled:

P1*V1=P2*V2

In this case:

• P1= 2.14 atm
• V1= 3 L
• P2= ?
• V2= 8.15 L

Replacing:

2.14 atm*3 L= P2* 8.15 L

Solving:

`(2.14 atm*3 L)/(8.15 L) =P2`

0.788 atm= P2

The final pressure is 0.788 atm (option b).