If a 4.0-L container of helium gas has a pressure of 10.0 atm, what pressure does the gas exert if the volume is increased to 6.0 L?

Question

Accepted Answer

Step [1] Identify the known quantities and the desired quantity.
• To solve an equation using Boyle’s law, we must know three quantities and solve for one quantity. In this case [latex]P_{1}[/latex], [latex]V_{1}[/latex], and [latex]V_{2}[/latex]are known and the final pressure, [latex]P_{2}[/latex], must be determined.

[latex]P_{1}[/latex] = 10.0 atm
[latex]V_{1}[/latex]= 4.0 L [latex]V_{2}[/latex] = 6.0 L P
known quantities

[latex]P_{2}[/latex] = ?
desired quantity

Step [2] Write the equation and rearrange it to isolate the desired quantity on one side.
• Rearrange the equation for Boyle’s law so that the unknown quantity,[latex]P_{2}[/latex] , is present alone on one side.

Step [3] Solve the problem.
• Substitute the known quantities into the equation and solve for [latex]P_{2}[/latex]. Identical units must be used for two similar quantities (liters in this case) so that the units cancel.

• In this example, the volume increased so the pressure decreased.

Question 6.ex.1: If a 4.0-L container of helium gas has a pressure of 10.0 at...

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