Chapter 6 Gases

6.3
Pressure and Volume (Boyle’s Law)

1
Boyle’s Law

Boyle’s Law states that

• the pressure of a gas

is inversely related to
its volume when T and
n are constant.

• if volume decreases,
the pressure
increases.

2
PV Constant in Boyle’s Law

In Boyle’s Law, the product P x V is constant as long

as T and n do not change.
P1V1 = 8.0 atm x 2.0 L = 16 atm L
P2V2 = 4.0 atm x 4.0 L = 16 atm L
P3V3 = 2.0 atm x 8.0 L = 16 atm L

Boyle’s Law can be stated as

P1V1 = P2V2 (T, n constant)

3
Solving for a Gas Law Factor

The equation for Boyle’s Law can be rearranged to

solve for any factor.
P1V1 = P2V2 Boyle’s Law

To solve for V2 , divide both sides by P2.

P1V1 = P2V2
P2 P2

V1 x P1 = V2
P2

4
Boyles’ Law and Breathing

During an inhalation,

• the lungs expand.

• the pressure in the

lungs decreases.

• air flows towards

the lower pressure
in the lungs.

Copyright © 2005 by Pearson Education, Inc.

Publishing as Benjamin Cummings

5
Boyles’ Law and Breathing

During an exhalation,

• lung volume
decreases.

• pressure within the

lungs increases.

• air flows from the

higher pressure in
the lungs to the
outside.
Copyright © 2005 by Pearson Education, Inc.
Publishing as Benjamin Cummings

6
Calculations with Boyle’s Law

7
Calculation with Boyle’s Law

Freon-12, CCl2F2, is used in refrigeration systems.

What is the new volume (L) of a 8.0 L sample of Freon
gas initially at 550 mm Hg after its pressure is changed
to 2200 mm Hg at constant T?

1. Set up a data table:

Conditions 1 Conditions 2
P1 = 550 mm Hg P2 = 2200 mm Hg
V1 = 8.0 L V2 = ?

8
Calculation with Boyle’s Law
(Continued)
2. When pressure increases, volume decreases.

Solve Boyle’s Law for V2:

P1V1 = P2V2

V2 = V1 x P1
P2
V2 = 8.0 L x 550 mm Hg = 2.0 L
2200 mm Hg
pressure ratio
decreases volume

9
Learning Check

For a cylinder containing helium gas indicate if

cylinder A or cylinder B represents the new volume for
the following changes (n and T are constant).

1) pressure decreases
2) pressure increases

10
Solution

For a cylinder containing helium gas indicate if

cylinder A or cylinder B represents the new volume for
the following changes (n and T are constant):
1) Pressure decreases B
2) Pressure increases A

11
Learning Check

If a sample of helium gas has a volume of 120 mL

and a pressure of 850 mm Hg, what is the new
volume if the pressure is changed to 425 mm Hg ?

1) 60 mL 2) 120 mL 3) 240 mL

12
Solution

3) 240 mL
P1 = 850 mm Hg P2 = 425 mm Hg
V1 = 120 mL V2 = ??

V2 = V1 x P1 = 120 mL x 850 mm Hg = 240 mL

P2 425 mm Hg
Pressure ratio
increases volume

13
Learning Check

A sample of helium gas in a balloon has a volume of

6.4 L at a pressure of 0.70 atm. At 1.40 atm (T
constant), is the new volume represented by A, B, or
C?

14
Solution

A sample of helium gas in a balloon has a volume of

6.4 L at a pressure of 0.70 atm. At a higher pressure
(T constant), the new volume is represented by the
smaller balloon A.

15
Learning Check

If the sample of helium gas has a volume of 6.4 L

at a pressure of 0.70 atm, what is the new
volume when the pressure is increased to 1.40
atm (T constant)?

A) 3.2 L B) 6.4 L C) 12.8 L

16
Solution

If the sample of helium gas has a volume of 6.4 L

at a pressure of 0.70 atm, what is the new
volume when the pressure is increased to 1.40
atm (T constant)?
A) 3.2 L

V2 = V1 x P1
P2
V2 = 6.4 L x 0.70 atm = 3.2 L
1.40 atm
Volume decreases when there is an increase in
the pressure (temperature is constant.)

17
Learning Check

A sample of oxygen gas has a

volume of 12.0 L at 600. mm
Hg. What is the new pressure
when the volume changes to
36.0 L? (T and n constant).

1) 200. mm Hg
2) 400. mm Hg
3) 1200 mm Hg

18
Solution

1) 200. mm Hg
Data table
Conditions 1 Conditions 2
P1 = 600. mm Hg P2 = ???
V1 = 12.0 L V2 = 36.0 L

P2 = P1 x V1
V2
600. mm Hg x 12.0 L = 200. mm Hg
36.0 L

19