Expert: Ahmed Salami - 10/27/2010

Question
The volume of an enclosed gas (at a constant temperature) varies inversely as the pressure. If the pressure of a 3.46-L sample of neon gas at 302ºK is 0.926 atm, what would the volume be at a pressure of 1.452 atm if the temperature does not change?

Answer
Hi Jessica,
Since volume V varies inversely as the pressure P, then
V α 1/P
V = K/P
where K is a constant of proportionality.
PV = K
This simply means that the products of the volumes and pressures at different temperatures is always the same.
So,
(3.46)(0.926) = (v)(1.452)
v = (3.46)(0.926)/1.452
= 2.21 L

Regards