Boyle's Law is a fundamental principle in chemistry and physics that describes the relationship between the pressure and volume of a gas at constant temperature. Understanding and applying Boyle’s Law can be challenging for students, especially when it comes to solving practice problems. This article will provide a comprehensive explanation of Boyle’s Law, and we will walk through several practice problems, breaking down the answers step-by-step to enhance comprehension.
What is Boyle's Law? 🌡️
Boyle's Law states that at constant temperature, the pressure of a gas is inversely proportional to its volume. This means that if the volume of a gas decreases, the pressure increases, and vice versa. The law can be mathematically expressed as:
[ P_1 \times V_1 = P_2 \times V_2 ]
Where:
- ( P_1 ) = initial pressure
- ( V_1 ) = initial volume
- ( P_2 ) = final pressure
- ( V_2 ) = final volume
Important Notes:
"Boyle's Law applies only to ideal gases and conditions where temperature remains constant."
Applications of Boyle's Law 🧪
Boyle's Law is widely applied in various fields, including:
- Respiratory physiology
- Engineering (pneumatics)
- Environmental science (understanding gas behavior in the atmosphere)
By solving practice problems, students can better grasp how pressure and volume interact in real-world scenarios.
Practice Problems and Solutions 📊
Let's look at some sample problems that involve Boyle's Law.
Problem 1: Volume Change
A gas occupies a volume of 4.0 L at a pressure of 1.0 atm. What will the volume be if the pressure increases to 2.0 atm while the temperature remains constant?
Solution Steps:
-
Identify the known values:
- ( V_1 = 4.0 , L )
- ( P_1 = 1.0 , atm )
- ( P_2 = 2.0 , atm )
-
Apply Boyle's Law: [ P_1 \times V_1 = P_2 \times V_2 ] Substituting the known values: [ 1.0 \times 4.0 = 2.0 \times V_2 ]
-
Solve for ( V_2 ): [ V_2 = \frac{1.0 \times 4.0}{2.0} = 2.0 , L ]
Answer:
The volume of the gas at 2.0 atm will be 2.0 L.
Problem 2: Pressure Calculation
A gas occupies a volume of 10.0 L at a pressure of 0.5 atm. What will the pressure be if the volume is decreased to 5.0 L?
Solution Steps:
-
Identify the known values:
- ( V_1 = 10.0 , L )
- ( P_1 = 0.5 , atm )
- ( V_2 = 5.0 , L )
-
Apply Boyle's Law: [ P_1 \times V_1 = P_2 \times V_2 ] Substituting the known values: [ 0.5 \times 10.0 = P_2 \times 5.0 ]
-
Solve for ( P_2 ): [ P_2 = \frac{0.5 \times 10.0}{5.0} = 1.0 , atm ]
Answer:
The pressure of the gas when the volume is reduced to 5.0 L will be 1.0 atm.
Problem 3: Volume and Pressure Adjustment
A balloon filled with air has a volume of 2.0 L at a pressure of 1.0 atm. If the balloon is taken to a depth where the pressure is 3.0 atm, what will be the new volume of the balloon?
Solution Steps:
-
Identify the known values:
- ( V_1 = 2.0 , L )
- ( P_1 = 1.0 , atm )
- ( P_2 = 3.0 , atm )
-
Apply Boyle's Law: [ P_1 \times V_1 = P_2 \times V_2 ] Substituting the known values: [ 1.0 \times 2.0 = 3.0 \times V_2 ]
-
Solve for ( V_2 ): [ V_2 = \frac{1.0 \times 2.0}{3.0} \approx 0.67 , L ]
Answer:
The new volume of the balloon at 3.0 atm will be approximately 0.67 L.
Summary Table of Boyle's Law Practice Problems
<table> <tr> <th>Problem</th> <th>Initial Volume (L)</th> <th>Initial Pressure (atm)</th> <th>Final Volume (L)</th> <th>Final Pressure (atm)</th> <th>Answer</th> </tr> <tr> <td>1</td> <td>4.0</td> <td>1.0</td> <td>2.0</td> <td>2.0</td> <td>2.0 L</td> </tr> <tr> <td>2</td> <td>10.0</td> <td>0.5</td> <td>5.0</td> <td>1.0</td> <td>1.0 atm</td> </tr> <tr> <td>3</td> <td>2.0</td> <td>1.0</td> <td>0.67</td> <td>3.0</td> <td>0.67 L</td> </tr> </table>
Conclusion
Mastering Boyle's Law through practice problems helps students grasp the concept of gas behavior under varying pressures and volumes. By breaking down each problem step-by-step, students can build their confidence and apply these principles in practical scenarios. As you encounter more complex problems, keep revisiting the foundational concepts of Boyle’s Law to enhance your understanding and performance in chemistry and physics.