Boyle's Law is one of the fundamental gas laws in chemistry, which describes the relationship between the pressure and volume of a gas at constant temperature. The law is named after the Irish scientist Robert Boyle, who first stated it in 1662.
The Law
Boyle's Law can be expressed mathematically as:
P₁V₁ = P₂V₂
Where P₁ and V₁ are the initial pressure and volume, and P₂ and V₂ are the final pressure and volume of a gas sample at constant temperature.
Explanation
Boyle's Law states that the pressure of a given amount of gas is inversely proportional to its volume, when the temperature is held constant. In other words, if the volume of a gas decreases, its pressure increases, and vice versa.
Study Guide
To understand and apply Boyle's Law, consider the following key points:
Constant Temperature: Boyle's Law is only applicable when the temperature remains constant.
Inversely Proportional: Remember that pressure and volume are inversely proportional to each other according to Boyle's Law.
Mathematical Application: Practice using the mathematical formula P₁V₁ = P₂V₂ to solve problems related to changes in pressure and volume of a gas.
Real-life Applications: Understand how Boyle's Law is relevant in various real-life scenarios, such as scuba diving, where changes in pressure and volume affect the behavior of gases.
By mastering Boyle's Law, you'll be able to comprehend the behavior of gases and make accurate predictions about their pressure-volume relationships in different conditions.
[Boyle's Law] Related Worksheets and Study Guides:
The student demonstrates an understanding of the interactions between matter and energy and the effects of these interactions on systems by researching applications of nuclear reactions in which a small amount of matter is converted directly into a huge amount of energy (i.e., E=MC2). (L)