Pressure change question algebra 2

Question

The following are the initial pressure and volume for gas in a flexible container:

P₁: 4.8 atmospheres

V₁:5.6 liters

If the volume is changed to 7.1 liters, what will be the change to the pressure?

Answer 1

IF temperature is held constant (temperature does not change between time 1 and time 2), then P₁V₁ = P₂V₂

To use this equation, the units need to be the same for pressure and the units need to be the same for volume. In this case, the volume is in liters and the pressure given is in atmospheres so the final pressure will also be in atmospheres.

If P₁V₁ = P₂V₂, then P₂ = P₁V₁/V₂

P₂ = (4.8)(5.6)/(7.1)

P₂ = 3.8 atm

The question is a little confusing because it asks for the CHANGE in pressure. That means the answer would be that the pressure goes down by 1 atm. Because it is a bit confusing and, in order to be complete, I would answer that the pressure goes down 1 atm to 3.8 atm.

Answer 2

Hi, MacKenna.

These pressure change problems require that you write it as a formula i.e. P₁V₁/T₁ = P₂V₂/T₂. Insert the values into the equation and then solve.

If you need any more help with math, reach out to me. I would be happy to help!