Question

Question #25589

Answer 1

Boyle's law developed by Robert Boyle in 1662, states that if we keep the temperature of a gas constant in a sealed container. Its pressure (P) varies inversely with its volume (V). In other words at any given temperature. If we pressurize a gas its volume will be reduced proportionately to the pressure change. If we increase the volume of a gas its pressure will increase.

I am not sure what you mean by the steps, but I can help you identify a Boyle's Law problem, and tell you how to solve it.

Boyle's Law is that Pressure, P is inversely related to volume, V at constant temperature and number of moles. The mathematical relationship is
`P = k*1/V`
which rearranges to

`P*V=k`,

where `k` is a constant.

Since `PV=k`, you get `P_1V_1=P_2V_2`.

You can tell a problem will be a Boyle's law problem, if there is a change in pressure or volume and it asks you about the other.

For example, you could be asked the following:
If a gas at atmospheric pressure, has its container expand to three times its volume, what is the new pressure.

Solution
`P_1 = 760 mmHg`
`V_1 = V_1`

`P_2 = ?`
`V_2 = 3V_1` because the new volume is 3 times bigger.

`P_1V_1 = P_2V_2` Boyle's Law

`P_2 = (P_1V_1)/V_2` Divide both sides by `V_2`

`P_2 = ((760 mmHg)V_1)/(3V_1)` Substitute givens.

`P_2 = (760mmHg)/3 = 253.3 mmHg`