A gas occupies 2.0 L at 1 atm. What volume will the gas occupy if the pressure is increased to 2.0 atm, and the temperature is kept constant?

a
1.0 L
b
4.0 L
c
2.0 L
d
0.50 L

1 answer

To find the new volume of the gas when the pressure is increased, we can use Boyle's Law, which states that the pressure and volume of a gas are inversely proportional when the temperature is held constant. This can be expressed with the formula:

\[ P_1 V_1 = P_2 V_2 \]

Where:

  • \( P_1 \) is the initial pressure
  • \( V_1 \) is the initial volume
  • \( P_2 \) is the final pressure
  • \( V_2 \) is the final volume

Given:

  • \( P_1 = 1 \) atm
  • \( V_1 = 2.0 \) L
  • \( P_2 = 2.0 \) atm

We need to find \( V_2 \). Plugging the values into Boyle's Law:

\[ 1 , \text{atm} \times 2.0 , \text{L} = 2.0 , \text{atm} \times V_2 \]

\[ 2.0 , \text{L} = 2.0 , \text{atm} \times V_2 \]

Now, divide both sides by 2.0 atm:

\[ V_2 = \frac{2.0 , \text{L}}{2.0 , \text{atm}} \]

\[ V_2 = 1.0 , \text{L} \]

So, the volume will occupy 1.0 L when the pressure is increased to 2.0 atm.

The answer is: a) 1.0 L