Experiment 4: Determination of Ratio of Volume

Objectives:

To investigate the ratio of volume

To compare ratio of volume to the theoretical value

Introduction:
Boyles law explains the relationship between pressure and volume.
The formula for Boyles law is PV = Constant. Hence, this shows that as
pressure, P increase, volume, V will decrease. Theoretically, the graph of
pressure against volume will gives inversely proportional relationship.

Picture above shows the relationship between pressure and volume.

By looking at ideal gas law, PV = RT where R is the gas constant.
Thus, Boyles law can be used to explain that the outcome product have a
constant pressure and volume for a fixed amount of gas at constant
temperature.
In this experiment, the ratio of volume is to be determined by
looking at the two different gas chambers.

Apparatus and Materials:

Gas Expansion Chamber

Procedure:
1. The general start up procedures was performed as stated in
Appendix A. All valves are ensured to be fully closed.
2. The hose from compressive pump was connected to pressurized
chamber.
3. The compressive pump was switched on and the pressure inside
chamber was allowed to increase up to about 160 kPa. The pump
was switched off and the hose was removed.
4. The pressure reading inside the chamber was monitored until it
stabilizes. The pressure reading was recorded for both chambers
before expansion.
5. Valve V 02 was opened and the pressurized air was allowed to flow
into the atmospheric chamber slowly.
6. The pressure reading for both chambers was recorded after
expansion.
7. The experimental procedures was repeated by using different
conditions:
From atmospheric chamber to vacuum chamber
From pressurized chamber to vacuum chamber
8. The ratio of volume was calculated and compared with theoretical
value.

Results:
Before Expansion
P1 (kPa)
P2 (kPa)
156.6
103.8
103.2
53.1
156.9
56.0

Condition
A
B
C

Conditions:

After Expansion
P1 (kPa)
P2 (kPa)
138.2
140.0
136.4
87.9
123.4
125.0

A- From Pressurized Chamber to Atmospheric Chamber

B- From Atmospheric Chamber to Vacuum Chamber

C- From Pressurized Chamber to Vacuum Chamber

Calculations:

Boyles Law formula:

P1V1 = P2V2
Thus, we can get:
(P1 initial x V1) + (P2 initial x V2) = (P1 final x V1) + (P2 final x V2)
Hence, ratio of volume:

Ratio of Volumes:
Condition A = (140.0 103.8) / (156.6 - 138.2) 1.967
Condition B = (87.9 53.1) / (103.2 86.4) 2.071
Condition C = (125.0 56.0) / (156.9 123.4) 2.060

Condition

Ratio of Volume

Percentage Error

1.967

4.0 %

2.071

-1.1 %

2.060

-0.5 %

Theoretical Value of Ratio of Volume (V1/V2) = 2.0492

Percentage Error:
Condition A = [(2.0492 - 1.967) / 2.0492] x 100% 4.0 %
Condition B = [(2.0492 2.071) / 2.0492] x 100% -1.1 %
Condition C = [(2.0492 2.060) / 2.0492] x 100% -0.5 %
Discussion:

In this experiment, two gas chambers are used for determination of

ratio of volume. The experiment is first starting with from pressurized
chamber to atmospheric chamber. Initially, pressurized chamber has
recorded a value of 156.6 kPa which is slightly lower than the initial set
value (160 kPa). However, atmospheric chamber recorded 138.2 kPa
initially. When the valve that linking both chamber has been opened,
pressurized chamber experienced pressure drop (to 103.8 kPa) while
atmospheric chamber has an increased pressure (140 kPa).
This works the same to all three conditions (A, B and C). All
conditions have increased pressure value at P 2 while pressure drop at P1.
The Boyles law explained this phenomenon. When valve linking both
chambers has been opened, the expansion occurred. As observed from
condition A, the expansion of gas from pressurized chamber causing the
pressure drop. This expansion leads to the increasing volume at
pressurized chamber while decreasing volume in atmospheric chamber.
Hence, the phenomenon has proven Boyles law right which is, as volume
increase, pressure decrease.
By looking at condition B and C, same theory applied as all three
conditions experienced the same phenomena. Thus, condition B have
pressure drop at atmospheric chamber while increasing pressure at
vacuum chamber. In the other hands, condition C have pressurized
chamber experiencing the dropping of pressure and increased pressure at
vacuum chamber. Thus, all conditions had obeyed Boyles law.
By obtaining the ratio of volume V1/V2, percentage error was
calculated based on theoretical value of (2.0492). Thus, the percentage
errors for condition A, B and C are 4.0 %, -1.1 % and -0.5 % respectively.
The negative value obtained indicating human error in handling the hose
leakage and improper installation of hose.

Safety Measure:
1. All valves are to be ensured properly installed before conducting
experiment as it will cause the leakage of gas and leading to
inaccurate data.
2. The temperature should be constant while conducting the
experiment.

Conclusion:
The ratio volume for condition A, B and C are 1.967, 2.071 and 2.060
respectively. By comparing to theoretical value of 2.0492, the percentage
errors for condition A, B and C are 4.0 %, -1.1 % and -0.5% respectively.
Boyles law has been proven right.

References:
1. Boyles Law
NASA. n.d. Boyles Law. Retrieved 6th February 2015, from
http://www.grc.nasa.gov/WWW/k-12/airplane/boyle.html

2. Boyles Law
Greenbowe. n.d. Boyles Law. Retrieved 6th February 2015, from
http://group.chem.iastate.edu/Greenbowe/sections/projectfolder/flas
hfiles/gaslaw/boyles_law_graph.html