The volume of 400cm3 of chlorine gas at 400 mm of Hg is decreased to 200 cm3 at constant temperature. What is new pressure of the gas?
The volume of 400cm3 of chlorine gas at 400 mm of Hg is decreased to 200 cm3 at constant temperature. What is new pressure of the gas?
  1. 800 mm of Hg
  2. 1600 mm of Hg
  3. 200 mm of Hg
  4. 600 mm of Hg

Solution: 800 mm of Hg

This is an example of Boyle’s law, which states that the volume of a gas is inversely proportional to the pressure at constant mass and temperature.

The equation for Boyle’s law is P1V1=P2V2.

Given
V1=400 mL
P1=400 mmHg
V2=200 mL

To determine P2, rearrange the equation. Solve the equation by substituting the given values.

P1V1 = P2V2

P2 = P1V1/V2

P2 = (400mmHg)(400mL)/200mL

P2 = 800 mmHg