A sample of argon gas occupies a volume of 0.0450 m^3 at 101.3 kPa and 25.0∘C. What volume would the same sample of gas occupy if the pressure was increased to 161.0 kPa at constant temperature.

Question

A sample of argon gas occupies a volume of 0.0450 m^3 at 101.3 kPa and 25.0∘C. What volume would the same sample of gas occupy if the pressure was increased to 161.0 kPa at constant temperature.

Answer 1

Hi Hellen P.,

Pressure and volume vary inversely with each other. You can understand this intuitively -- if you squeeze something it gets smaller. So you ratio the 2 given pressures and apply that ratio (multiply, so as to make the result smaller) to the given volume.

Pretty basic. All these variables are related either inversely, or directly -- you can figure which one it is, by thinking like a molecule -- except, you have to remember to convert to absolute temperatures (K, not .deg.C) to do the ratios.

That's the first layer -- isothermal type transformations. After that you get into adiabatic transformations, and those use a bit more math, but they reflect real-world conditions -- air moves over a mountain, for example. It chills off, and can start to make clouds. It is an awesome experience to watch clouds form below you, as the wind blows by you on a mountain. And then disappear again, on the other side!

-- Cheers, --Mr. d.