Convert torr to Pascals to help determine if the balloon will pop

Question

At a party, one of the balloons containing 1,770 cm^3 of air at STP can withstand a pressure of 5.57x10^5 Pa. If Chris sits on the balloon and reduces its volume to 295 cm^3, what is the new pressure? Will the balloon pop?

Answer 1

Given:

Initial volume = V1 = 1770 cm3

Initial pressure = P1 = 101.325 kPa (standard pressure)

Final volume = V2 = 295 cm3

Asked for:

Final pressure = P2 = ?

Since the temperature is constant, we can use Boyle's Law:

P1V1 = P2V2

(101.325 kPa)(1770 cm3) = (P2)(295 cm3)

P2 = 608 kPa = 608,000 Pa

The balloon will most assuredly pop because the pressure of 608,000 Pa exceeds the popping pressure of 5.57x105 Pa = 557,000 Pa.