Charles' Law - Real Life Applications

10.11.2016 by Edulab

Charles’ Law is an experimental gas law that describes how gases tend to
expand when heated.

The law states that if a quantity of gas is held at a constant pressure, there is a
direct relationship between its volume and the temperature, as measured in
degrees Kelvin. 

Think of it this way. As the temperature increases, the molecules within any given
gas begin to move around more quickly. As the molecules move faster, they
collide with each other and the walls of their container more frequently and with
more force. If the gas container is inflexible, these more frequent and forceful
collisions will result in increased pressure. However, if the container is flexible,
like a balloon, the pressure will remain the same, while allowing the volume of
the gas to increase.

Charles’ Law apparatus can be used to demonstrate this thermal expansion of

gases. While a classroom experiment will prove the formal theory, there are
numerous examples of the law in action in everyday life, which can help to
embed students’ understanding.

Make sense of the science by considering some of these real life applications of
Charles’ Law.

Watch what happens to a helium balloon on a cold day.

Step outside with a helium balloon on a chilly day and chances are, the balloon
will crumble. Once you get back into the warm, however, the balloon will return to
its original shape. In accordance with Charles’ Law, this is because, a gas, in this
case, helium, takes up more space when it is warm.

How about a hot air balloon?

A torch is used to heat the air molecules inside the balloon. The molecules move
faster and disperse within the space. The gas inside the balloon takes up more
space, becoming less dense than the air surrounding it. As such, the hot air
inside the balloon rises because of its decreased density and causes the balloon
to float.

Try out a turkey timer.

Pop-up turkey thermometers work by applying Charles’ Law. The thermometer is
placed in the turkey. As the temperature rises and the turkey cooks, the air in the
thermometer expands to pop the plunger. The thermometer is calibrated so that
when the correct internal temperature is reached, the thermometer cap pops off,
providing a clear indication that the turkey is done.

Pump up your ping pong ball.

If you play ping pong, chances are you’ve come across the occasionally dented
ball. Restore its roundness by popping it in a pan of water. Warm the water
gently while stirring and the air inside the ball will expand as it heats up. The
expanding air will push out the dent and restore the ball’s roundness.