CHAPTER Properties of Gases

11
Specific Expectations
In this chapter, you will learn how to . . .
• F2.1 use appropriate terminology related
to gases and atmospheric chemistry
(11.1, 11.2, 11.3)

• F2.2 determine, through inquiry, the

quantitative and graphical relationships
between the pressure, volume, and
temperature of a gas (11.2, 11.3)

• F2.3 solve quantitative problems by

performing calculations based on Boyle’s
law, Charles’s law, Gay-Lussac’s law, the
combined gas law, and the ideal gas law
(11.2, 11.3)

• F3.2 describe the different states of

matter and explain their differences
in terms of the forces between atoms,
molecules, and ions (11.1)

• F3.3 use the kinetic molecular theory to

explain the properties and behaviour
of gases in terms of types and degrees
of molecular motion (11.1)

• F3.5 explain Boyle’s law, Charles’s law,

Gay-Lussac’s law, the combined gas law,
and the ideal gas law (11.2, 11.3)

Since the mid-1950s, weather balloons filled with hydrogen or

helium gas have carried thermometers, barometers, and humidity-
measuring instruments high into the upper atmosphere to collect
weather-forecasting data on which all Canadians depend. About
170 years earlier, a balloon similar to modern weather balloons
ascended into the air before a crowd of 400 000 Parisian onlookers.
Carrying its inventor, French scientist Jacques Charles, and his
assistant, the balloon drifted 43 km over the French countryside,
becoming the world’s first free-floating, piloted aircraft. To
advance science even further, Charles brought a thermometer
and a barometer onboard the flight to take measurements of air
temperature and pressure during the history-making journey.
Experiments involving gas-filled balloons have played an
important role in the development of our knowledge of gases. The
careful observations that scientists made enabled them to state
and mathematically define scientific laws that govern the safe and
efficient use of gases to this day. You will learn about some of these
laws—including two stated by Jacques Charles—in this chapter.

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 Launch Activity

Expanding and Shrinking Soap Bubble

Most gases are clear and colourless, so they are invisible to the eye.
However, you can set up situations that let you visualize the effects of the
properties of gases. In this activity, infer the properties of air by observing
the behaviour of a soap bubble.

Safety Precautions

• Wear safety eyewear throughout this activity.

• Be careful to avoid contact with the rubbing alcohol. If you get any
rubbing alcohol on your hands, wash them thoroughly with running
water and soap and inform your teacher.

Materials
• 100 mL of soap solution
• rubbing alcohol
• petri dish that is 10 cm in diameter
• soft-drink can, empty and with tab removed
• cotton ball

Procedure
1. Add soap solution to the petri dish until it is about half-full.
2. Turn the empty soft-drink can upside down, and place the top of the
can in the soap solution. Remove the can from the soap solution, and
turn it upright on a flat surface.
3. Gently wrap your hands around the can, and then very gently squeeze
the can. Observe any soap bubble that forms and its behaviour as you
gently squeeze the can with a steady pressure and then release.
4. Gently wrap one of your hands around the can, holding it lightly.
Do not squeeze the can. Observe any soap bubble that forms.
5. Rub your hands together vigorously for 5 to 10 seconds, and then
repeat step 3. Observe any changes to the soap bubble.
6. Wet the cotton ball with rubbing alcohol. While holding the can with
one hand, use the cotton ball to transfer rubbing alcohol to a small
area of the outside of the can, and then remove your hand. Observe
any changes to the soap bubble. (The purpose of the rubbing alcohol is
to remove heat from the can. As the rubbing alcohol evaporates, heat
is transferred from inside the can to outside the can.)

Questions
1. Is there a gas inside the can? How do you know?
2. Is there a gas inside the soap bubble? How do you know?
3. Explain what you think caused the behaviour of the soap bubble in step 3.
4. Explain what you think caused the behaviour of the soap bubble in
steps 4, 5, and 6.
5. Infer at least three properties of gases that you observed in this activity.

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 SECTION
Gases: Properties and Behaviour
11.1
Key Terms On Earth, matter typically exists in three physical states: solid, liquid, and gas. All three
states of a substance are composed of particles (ions, atoms, or molecules). However,
kinetic molecular theory
the behaviour of the particles differs in each state. These differences are summarized in
of gases
Table 11.1.
ideal gas Particles that make up a solid are packed tightly and closely together and are
locked into place in an organized framework. This regular arrangement of the particles
explains why solids have a fixed volume and shape—the particles are unable to move
past one another to alter the shape.
Particles that make up a liquid are very close together, but they are not held in fixed
positions. Therefore, they have no regular arrangement. As a result, particles of a liquid
can move past one another, allowing the liquid to flow and take the shape of its container.
Particles of a gas are greatly separated from each other—much more so compared
to particles in liquids and solids. Thus, particles of a gas have no regular arrangement.
Gas particles move freely in all directions, bouncing off each other and the walls of any
container in which they may be held.
Table 11.1 Properties and Particles of the Three States of Matter
State Properties Particles
Solid • Constant shape • Particles are organized in
• Constant volume a regular pattern (this is
• Almost also known as having “low
incompressible disorder”) and they vibrate
in a fixed position.

Liquid • Variable shape • Particles are less organized

• Constant volume than in a solid and they are
• Almost able to slide over and past
incompressible one another.

Gas • Variable shape • Particles are much less

• Variable volume organized than in other
• Compressible (can be states and they bounce off
pushed or squeezed each other and the walls of
by a force to occupy their container.
a smaller volume)

Changes of State and Forces between Particles

Two main factors determine the state of a substance: the forces holding the particles
(ions, atoms, and molecules) together and the kinetic energy of the particles, which
tends to pull them apart. If there were no forces between particles, all substances would
be gases. Forces are necessary for particles to form liquids or solids. If the forces are
very strong, a large amount of kinetic energy is needed to pull the particles apart. If the
forces are weak, particles with smaller amounts of kinetic energy can pull away from
one another. As shown in Table 11.2, the three types of forces that act between particles
are attractions between oppositely charged ions, attractions between polar molecules,
and attractions between non-polar molecules.

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 Table 11.2 Attractive Forces That Influence the State of Matter
Type of Attractive Force State of Matter Example
Stronger Between oppositely Usually solid Table salt, NaCl(s)
Force charged particles
Between polar molecules Solid, liquid, or gas Glucose, C6H12O6(s)
Ethanol, CH3CH2OH()
Ammonia, NH3(g)
Weaker Between non-polar Solid, liquid, or gas Paraffin, C30H62(s)
Force molecules Pentane, C5H12()
Carbon dioxide, CO2(g)

Attractive Forces between Oppositely Charged Particles

Oppositely charged particles exert a pulling force on each other due to electrostatic
attraction. Ionic bonding is an example of electrostatic attraction. In an ionic bond, a
positive ion is attracted to a negative ion. Ionic bonds are very strong. As a result, ionic
compounds usually exist as solids at room temperature.

Attractive Forces between Polar Molecules

Attractive forces between polar molecules also occur. Although the overall charge of
a polar molecule is neutral, one end of the molecule is partially positive and the other
is partially negative. As a result, the polar molecule has a permanent dipole effect, as
shown in Figure 11.1. Dipole-dipole forces between polar molecules are not as strong
as ionic bonds. Thus, substances made up of polar molecules can exist as liquids and
gases at room temperature. For example, ethanol is polar and exists as a liquid at room
temperature. Hydrogen chloride is polar but is a gas at room temperature.
Hydrogen bonding is a specific type of dipole-dipole interaction. The strength Figure 11.1 In a polar
of a hydrogen bond can vary, and this affects the state of a substance. For example, substance such as hydrogen
chloride, dipole-dipole
although water and ammonia are both polar molecules, the N–H hydrogen bonds in forces of attraction exist
ammonia are less polar (and therefore weaker) than the O–H hydrogen bonds in water. between the molecules.
Therefore, at room temperature, water is a liquid, while ammonia is a gas. Explain Why do attractive
forces occur between
Attractive Forces between Non-polar Molecules the different regions of
Attractive forces exist between non-polar molecules due to the formation of temporary these hydrogen chloride
molecules?
dipoles. However, these forces are weak. Most small non-polar molecules, such as
carbon dioxide, do not hold together long enough to maintain a solid or liquid form
at room temperature, so they exist as gases at room temperature. Larger non-polar
molecules, such as pentane, C5H12(), are liquids at room temperature. As a non-polar
molecule increases in size, the attractive forces between the molecules of a substance
also increase. When the attractive forces between the molecules are strong, more energy
in the form of heat must be added to weaken them before a change in state can occur.

Learning Check

1. Using water as an example, name and distinguish 4. Why would all substances be gases if there were no
between the three physical states of matter. forces between particles?
2. How is the state of a substance related to the 5. Describe the relationship between the state of a
attractive forces between its particles? substance and the kinetic energy of its particles.
3. How is the state of a substance related to the 6. Use a graphic organizer to distinguish the three
arrangement of its particles? types of forces between particles of substances.

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 The Kinetic Energy of Particles and Temperature of a Substance
If the particles of a substance had no kinetic energy but still had attractive forces
between them, the substance would be solid. Particles must have kinetic energy to
Figure 11.2 This model pull away from each other. Particles in a substance have three types of motion and
of a particle depicts thus three types of kinetic energy. Figure 11.2 illustrates vibrational motion and thus
vibrational motion—the vibrational kinetic energy. All particles, regardless of the state of the substance, have
motion of something as
vibrational energy. Figure 11.3 shows rotational motion and thus rotational kinetic
it moves back and forth
about a fixed position. energy. Particles in liquids and gases, and some solids, have rotational kinetic energy.
Figure 11.4 illustrates translational motion and thus translational kinetic energy. Only
particles in liquids and gases can have translational kinetic energy.
The temperature of a substance is directly related to the average kinetic energy of
its particles. To heat a substance means to add energy to the substance, which goes
Figure 11.3 This model of into the kinetic energy of its particles. As you heat a solid, the temperature increases
a particle depicts rotational and the particles vibrate more and more rapidly. Eventually, the particles will have
motion—the motion of
something as it spins on
enough energy to pull away from each other. However, they are still attracted to the
its axis. nearby particles. Thus, in a liquid, particles are constantly sliding past one another.
The strength of the forces determines how much energy is needed, and thus what the
temperature must be, when particles pull away from one another.
As you heat a liquid, the temperature increases and all types of kinetic energy
Figure 11.4 This model increase. Eventually, each particle will have enough energy to completely escape from
of a particle depicts all of the other particles in the substance as the substance becomes a gas. The strength
translational motion—the of forces between particles determines how much energy must be added and thus what
motion of something that the temperature must be for the substance to become a gas.
moves freely from one
place to another.
The Distinguishing Properties of Gases
Each state of matter has physical properties that distinguish that state from another
state. The following properties distinguish gases from solids and liquids.
• Gases are compressible. The volume of a gas decreases greatly when pressure is exerted
on the gas. Similarly, the volume of a gas increases when the pressure is reduced. In
contrast, the volumes of liquids and solids remain almost constant during changes
in pressure. The incompressibility of solids and liquids is explained by particles in
these states being unable to move independently of each other. The movement of one
particle affects the movement of the other particles. Gas particles, however, are able
to move independently of one another.
• Gases expand as the temperature is increased, if the pressure remains constant. The
volumes of liquids and solids can expand with increasing temperature as well, but to
a much smaller extent compared to volumes of gases.
• Gases have very low viscosity. The viscosity of water is approximately 55 times
greater than the viscosity of air. Air and all other gases flow through pipes more
freely compared to liquids. The low viscosity of gases enables them to escape quickly
through small openings in their containers.
• Gases have much lower densities than solids or liquids. The density of water vapour is
approximately 1/1000 the density of liquid water.
• Gases are miscible. Substances that mix completely with each other are said to be
miscible. All gases are miscible. Some liquids, such as water and alcohol, are miscible.
Other liquids, such as water and oil, are immiscible (they do not mix).

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 The Kinetic Molecular Theory of Gases
The kinetic molecular theory of gases provides a scientific model for explaining the
kinetic molecular
behaviour of gases. To develop the theory, scientists defined a hypothetical substance theory of gases the
called an ideal gas. An ideal gas is defined by specific characteristics related to the theory that explains gas
energy and motion of the gas particles, as shown in Figure 11.5. The kinetic molecular behaviour in terms of
theory of gases is based on the following assumptions. the random motion of
particles with negligible
• Gas particles are in constant, random motion. Gas particles travel in straight lines volume and negligible
until they collide with other gas particles or with the walls of their container. attractive forces
Therefore, an ideal gas has high translational kinetic energy. ideal gas a hypothetical
gas made up of particles
• Individual gas particles are considered point masses. A point mass is a mass that that have mass but no
has no volume—it takes up no space. The volume of an individual gas particle is volume and no attractive
considered negligible compared to the container holding the gas. Gas particles are forces between them
considered to be extremely far apart and most of the container is thought of as empty.
• The gas particles do not exert attractive or repulsive forces on one another.
• The gas particles interact with one another and with the walls of their container only
through elastic collisions. In an elastic collision—for example, when billiard balls
collide—kinetic energy is conserved. Particles can exchange kinetic energy with one
another in a collision but the total kinetic energy remains constant.
• The average kinetic energy of gas particles is directly related to temperature. The
greater the temperature, the greater the average motion of the particles and the
greater their average kinetic energy.

A B

Figure 11.5 Characteristics of ideal gas particles (molecules). In (A), ideal gas molecules move
with random motion, colliding with one another and with the walls of their container. In (B), the
paths of each individual molecule follow straight lines between collisions.
Infer how the kinetic molecular theory explains the increase of the volume of a gas with an
increase in temperature, and make a sketch in your notebook to illustrate your ideas.

Keep in mind that no gas is ideal. However, despite the fact that the kinetic molecular
theory explains gases as if they were ideal, this important theory quite accurately
describes the behaviour of real gases at ordinary temperatures and pressures. In fact,
using the basic properties of an ideal gas, scientists can explain many properties
of gases and can make accurate predictions about their behaviour under various
circumstances and conditions. For example, the miscibility of gases can be explained
by considering the large amount of space available between the molecules of a gas. The
molecules of a second gas should fit readily into the spaces between the molecules of
the first gas, because both types of gas molecules have negligible volume. Thus, two
gases should mix evenly and completely as the molecules move about constantly.
This predicted behaviour can be verified through observation.

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 Section 11.1 RE V I E W

Section Summary
• Particles of matter behave in characteristic ways in each • The properties that distinguish gases from liquids and
of the three states of matter. Attractive forces between solids include compressibility, low viscosity, even and
particles and the kinetic energy of the particles influence complete mixing, low density, and expansion as a result of
how particles behave in each state. an increase in temperature.
• Attractive forces between particles that affect the states • The kinetic molecular theory of gases is a model that
of matter are attractions between oppositely charged explains the visible properties of gases based on the
particles, attractions between polar molecules, and behaviour of individual atoms or molecules of an
attractions between non-polar molecules. ideal gas.

Review Questions
1. K/U What is the relationship between the strength 10. A Which property of gases best explains each of
of the attractive forces between the particles of a the following situations? Explain your reasoning.
substance and the state of matter of the substance? a. A full propane tank can provide enough fuel to run
2. K/U How does the polarity of a molecule affect the a propane barbecue for several months.
state of a substance composed of that molecule? b. A carbon monoxide leak in the lower level of a
3. C Draw a diagram that shows the attractive forces building causes carbon monoxide gas to spread
that occur for methanol, CH3OH, and phosphine, PH3. quickly throughout the whole building.
Based on these forces, identify the molecule that you c. Forced air heating is often a better choice for home
predict would be a gas at room temperature, and explain heating than hot water (radiator-type) heating.
why. (Hint: To draw methanol, the carbon atom is 11. A Hand pumps are often used to fill deflated
bonded to three hydrogen atoms and the oxygen atom. bicycle tires with air. In a hand pump, a piston is
The fourth hydrogen atom is bonded to the oxygen.) pushed through a cylinder and air is transferred to the
4. T/I Ammonia, NH3(g), is a gaseous compound with deflated tire. How do the properties of compressibility,
a boiling point of -33.34°C. Why is its boiling point low resistance to flow, and even and complete mixing
substantially lower than the boiling point of water? relate to the inflation of tires?
Explain your answer. 12. K/U How does an elastic collision differ from an

5. K/U Describe two properties of matter in the solid inelastic collision? To visualize an inelastic collision,
or liquid state that distinguish it from matter in the imagine throwing a ball of putty against a wall.
gas state. 13. K/U Describe the characteristics of an ideal gas. How

6. T/I A party balloon filled with helium gas is left to do real gases differ from this hypothetical model?
float in a room. Over time, the balloon falls back to the 14. T/I The images below show three possible paths for
floor. Explain the behaviour of the balloon. (Hint: a gas molecule moving inside a filled volleyball. Which
There are microscopic pores in the surface of the of these diagrams represents the most likely path of the
material that is used to make a party balloon.) gas molecule? Justify your choice in terms of the
7. K/U For each property, explain how a gas differs kinetic molecular theory of gases.
from a liquid.
a. viscosity
b. compressibility
c. density
d. miscibility
8. A Identify a property of gases that is important in A B C
hot-air ballooning. Explain why you think it is
15. C Draw diagrams to show how the kinetic
important.
molecular theory can explain the following:
9. T/I Use the kinetic molecular theory to explain how a. why a heated gas expands to fill its container
a basketball is inflated. b. why gases can be easily compressed

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 SECTION
Gases and Pressure Changes
11.2
If you have flown in an airplane, you may have felt discomfort in your ears during Key Terms
take-off or landing. As soon as your ears “popped,” they probably felt better. A similar
atmospheric pressure
experience is common while riding up and down on an elevator. Your ears become
standard atmospheric
blocked and then unblocked due to changes in atmospheric pressure. Although you are
usually unaware of the effect of atmospheric pressure on your body, the atmosphere is pressure (SAP)
always exerting a large amount of pressure on you from all directions. Boyle’s law
To describe and explain the behaviour of the gases in Earth’s atmosphere, as well
as the behaviour of other gases, you need to understand the meanings of pressure and
gas pressure. Pressure is the force that is exerted on an object per unit of surface area.
The phrase “per unit of surface area” means the area over which the force is distributed.
The equation for pressure is
pressure = _
force
area or P=_
F
A
The SI unit for force is the newton (N), and the unit for area is the square metre (m2).
Therefore, the corresponding unit of pressure is newtons per square metre (N/m2). Later
in this chapter, you will learn how this unit for pressure is related to other commonly
used units for presssure, such as the pascal (Pa) and millimetres of mercury (mmHg).

Atmospheric Pressure
Earth’s atmosphere is a spherical envelope of gases that surrounds the planet and
atmospheric pressure
extends from Earth’s surface outward to space. The gas molecules that make up the the force exerted on
atmosphere are pulled down toward Earth’s surface by gravity, and these molecules Earth’s surface by a
exert pressure on all objects on Earth. Thus, the atmosphere exerts pressure on column of air over a
everything on Earth’s surface. Earth’s atmospheric pressure may be described as given area
the force that a column of air exerts on Earth’s surface, divided by the area of Earth’s
surface at the base of the column, as shown in Figure 11.6. The force that the column
of air exerts is its weight. Unlike force, however, which is exerted in only one direction, 1m 1m
pressure is exerted equally in all directions. top off
atmosphere

Early Studies of Atmospheric Pressure

column of air
People invented technologies that made use of atmospheric pressure before anyone
understood how these technologies worked! For example, in 1594, the Italian scientist
Galileo Galilei (1564–1642) was awarded a patent for his invention of a suction pump
that used air to lift water up to the surface from about 10 m underground. (No plans
weight of
or illustrations of this pump exist, but the pump operated using the kinetic energy column of air
supplied by one horse.) Although Galileo’s pump functioned well, nobody—including
Galileo himself—understood how water moved up the tube of the pump and why the
pump could lift the water no higher than 10 m. sea le
level
vel
From 1641 to 1642, Evangelista Torricelli (1608–1647) served as Galileo’s assistant.
Earth
Ear
Ea
E artth
ar
arthh
His work eventually led to an understanding of how the water moved up the tube of the Earth
pump. Torricelli hypothesized that the water rose in the tube because the surrounding
Figure 11.6 A column of air
air was pushing down on the rest of the water. Instead of water, he used mercury for his extending from sea level to
studies, because mercury is 13.6 times more dense than water. Thus, Torricelli could the top of the atmosphere,
use a column of mercury that is 13.6 times shorter than the 10 m column of water. with a cross-sectional area
of 1 m2, weighs 101 325 N.
The mass of this column of
air is 10 329 kg.

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 vacuum Torricelli’s Hypothesis Is Confirmed
Torricelli designed an experiment with an apparatus like the one in Figure 11.7.
He proposed that if a long tube was filled with mercury and inverted into a dish of
mercury, the mercury in the tube would drop down and leave a vacuum at the closed
end of the tube. Torricelli hypothesized that the pressure that the column of mercury
760 mm would exert on the mercury in the dish would be equal to the pressure that the
atmospheric
pressure atmosphere was exerting on the surface of the mercury in the dish outside the tube.
His hypothesis was verified by experiments, and the limitations of the early suction
pump could now be explained. The early suction pump could not lift water more than
10 m because atmospheric pressure was pushing the water up, not because the pump
was pulling the water up. Atmospheric pressure is about approximately the same as the
mercury pressure exerted by 10 m of water—thus the 10 m limit.
Figure 11.7 Torricelli’s
The Relationship between Atmospheric Pressure and Altitude
apparatus used mercury
to test the hypothesis that In 1647, the French scientist and philosopher, Blaise Pascal (1623–1662), read a letter
underground water was written by Torricelli, in which he compared the atmosphere to an ocean of air. In the
being pushed up the tube letter, Torricelli hypothesized that the weight of air might be greater near Earth’s surface
of a water pump because of
than it was at the top of mountains. The next year, Pascal designed an experiment to
the air pressure acting on
the surrounding water. test Torricelli’s hypothesis that atmospheric pressure decreases with altitude (distance
Predict What would cause from Earth’s surface). He asked his brother-in-law, Florin Perier, to carry an apparatus
the level of mercury in the like Torricelli’s up and down a mountain called Puy de Dôme, shown in Figure 11.8.
tube to change? Perier measured the length of the column of mercury at the base of the mountain,
during his climb of the mountain, and on the top. Perier verified that as he ascended
the mountain, the column of mercury became shorter. At the top of the mountain, the
column of mercury was 76 mm shorter than it was at the base of the mountain.
Figure 11.9 shows that at higher altitudes (distances from Earth’s surface) the
atmospheric pressure is lower and the density of air particles is less than at lower
altitudes. Why is this the case? Each layer of the atmosphere exerts a force on the layer
below it. Because the weight of the entire column of air exerts a force on the bottom
layer, the bottom layer is the most compressed. As the altitude increases, the amount
of air above that level becomes smaller and, therefore, exerts a smaller force on the air
just below it. The higher layers of air are less compressed than the lower layers.
Besides demonstrating that atmospheric pressure exists and that it changes with
altitude, the combined efforts of Torricelli, Pascal, and Perier resulted in an instrument
for measuring atmospheric pressure: the mercury barometer. Barometers based on
Torricelli’s design have been in use since the mid-1600s. Although newer technologies
have been developed, many mercury barometers are still used around the world today.
Figure 11.8 Puy-de-Dôme
is a volcanic mountain that
is the highest mountain in
south-central France. Today,
modern communications
equipment is located on the
top of this mountain.

Figure 11.9 In this diagram, the dots represent air molecules. People often refer to
the air “thinning” at increased altitudes. This means that there are fewer gas molecules
in the air for a given volume at lower atmospheric pressure.

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 Units of Gas Pressure
Because mercury barometers were often used to measure atmospheric pressure,
standard atmospheric
a common unit of pressure is the millimetre of mercury, or mmHg. Standard pressure (SAP)
atmospheric pressure (SAP), the atmospheric pressure in dry air at a temperature atmospheric pressure in
of 0°C at sea level, is 760 mmHg. Since standard atmospheric pressure is a common dry air at a temperature
reference point, the unit atmosphere (atm) is also often used. of 0°C at sea level
Recall that the newton per square metre (N/m2) is the SI unit for pressure. This unit
is also called the pascal (Pa), in honour of Blaise Pascal. Standard atmospheric pressure
is 101 325 Pa. Because this is such a large number, the unit kPa (kilopascal) is commonly
used. Thus, standard atmospheric pressure is often expressed as 101.325 kPa.
Another unit often used in chemistry is the bar (b). One bar is equal to 100 kPa,
and 1 atm is equal to 1.01325 bar. In the United States, pressure is often measured
and expressed in pounds per square inch (psi). You may have seen the recommended
pressure for bicycle and automotive tires in units of psi. Finally, in honour of Torricelli’s
work, standard atmospheric pressure has also been defined as 760 torr. One torr
represents a column of mercury that is 1 mm high at 0°C. The following expression
summarizes the various units of pressure and their equivalent values.

1 atm = 760 mmHg = 760 torr = 101 325 Pa = 101.325 kPa = 1.01325 bar = 14.7 psi

Different products and technologies have tended to use or report atmospheric pressure
in different units. Table 11.3 lists some of the instruments that use these different units
to measure pressure.
Table 11.3 Units of Pressure Used for Various Instruments
Unit of Pressure Symbol Examples of Instruments That Use the Unit
standard atmosphere atm Gas compressors, pneumatic tools (tools such as
jackhammers driven by compressed gas)
millimetres of mercury mmHg Blood pressure meters, barometers
torr torr Vacuum pumps
pascal Pa Pressure sensors in pipelines
kilopascal kPa Tire inflation gauges; heating, ventilating, and
air-conditioning systems
bar bar Pressure sensors in scuba gear, steam traps used to
remove condensed water from pipes carrying steam
millibar mb Barometers
pounds per square inch psi Hydraulic pumps, tire inflation gauges

Converting among Units of Pressure

Because people in different industries report pressure using different units, it is often
necessary to convert between different units of pressure. Knowing the equivalent
unit values makes the conversion straightforward. For example, suppose that the
atmospheric pressure in Kenora, Ontario, is measured to be 732 mmHg and you
want to know what this pressure is in kilopascals. Because 760 mmHg is equivalent to
101.325 kPa, conversion of 732 mmHg to kPa is
732 mmHg × _ ( 760 mmHg )
101.325 kPa
= 97.6 kPa.

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 Learning Check

7. What is atmospheric pressure? 11. Why must mountain climbers understand the
8. Explain how Torricelli’s apparatus worked. relationship between altitude and atmospheric
pressure?
9. Convert each of the following to the indicated unit.
a. 3.58 atm to kPa c. 770 mmHg to kPa 12. To make a birdbath, you fill a 2 L soft-drink bottle
with water and invert it in a dish of water. When the
b. 20.5 psi to atm d. 470 torr to Pa
level of the water in the dish falls below the level of
10. If the optimum tire pressure for a bicycle is 3 bar, and the water at the rim of the bottle, water flows from
your tire pressure gauge is in units of psi, develop a the bottle to refill the dish. Explain why this happens.
formula that you can use to convert these units.

The Relationship between Gas Pressure and Volume

Meteorologists use weather balloons to carry instrument packages called radiosondes
high into the atmosphere. The balloon is partly inflated with helium or hydrogen gas
because, at the same pressure, these gases are less dense than air; thus, the balloon rises
to high altitudes. As altitude increases, atmospheric pressure decreases and the balloon
expands. Eventually, the balloon bursts and a parachute opens to bring the radiosonde
safely back to the ground. Thus, the use of weather balloons relies on a relationship
between gas pressure and volume.

Activity 11.1 Cartesian Diver

When the pressure exerted on a gas increases, the volume Procedure

of the gas decreases. Similarly, when the pressure exerted
1. Fill the bottle to the top with water.
on a gas decreases, the volume of the gas increases. In
this activity, you will construct a device called a Cartesian 2. Fill the eye dropper approximately half-full with water,
diver to monitor changes in the volume of air as a result of and place it in the bottle with its open end down. The
changes in external pressure on the air. eye dropper should float with one end just barely above
the surface of the water. If necessary, add water to the
Safety Precautions eyedropper until it is barely floating. Fasten the lid of the
• Ensure that the bottle cap bottle tightly.
is secured tightly before
3. Squeeze the bottle gently. Observe the eyedropper and
performing this activity.
its contents. Experiment with the device by varying the
Materials degree of compression on the bottle.
• water Questions
• 750 mL or 2 L plastic
1. When you squeezed the bottle, what happened to the
bottle with cap
contents of the eyedropper? What happened to the
• eyedropper
position of the eye dropper? Provide an explanation for
the motion you observed, based on the relationship
between pressure and volume of a gas.
2. When you released the bottle, what happened to the
contents of the eyedropper? What happened to the
position of the eyedropper? Provide an explanation for
the motion you observed, based on the relationship
between pressure and volume of a gas.
3. How might the results of this activity relate to the ability
of submarines to surface and dive?

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 Observations Leading to Boyle’s Law
How can meteorologists predict the altitude at which a weather balloon will burst? If
the balloon is designed to burst when it reaches three times the volume to which it was
inflated before its release, how can they know the altitude at which that will occur?
Decisions related to these questions are based on studies of the relationship between
the volume of a gas and its pressure that were first published by Irish scientist Robert
Boyle in 1662.
mercury added to open tube

h
h
gas
(trapped air)

Hg

Figure 11.10 In Boyle’s experiment, the left side of the U-tube is sealed and mercury has trapped
air in the tube. As more mercury is added to the right side of the tube, the mercury increases the
pressure on the trapped gas (air), causing its volume to decrease, demonstrated by the decreased
height, h, of the column of trapped air in the tube..

Robert Boyle (1627–1691) studied the relationship between the pressure and volume SuggestedInvestigation
of a gas, while the amount of the gas and the temperature of the gas were kept constant.
Inquiry Investigation 11-A,
By making careful measurements of the volume of a trapped gas, he described what
Studying Boyle’s Law
happened when the pressure exerted on the gas was increased. Figure 11.10 shows an
apparatus like the one Boyle used. He measured the height of the column of trapped
gas and the height of the column of mercury. The height of the mercury column is
directly related to the pressure it exerts on the trapped gas. Therefore, Boyle was able to
infer the relationship between the pressure on the air and its volume.
Boyle showed that if the temperature and the amount of gas are constant, an
Boyle’s law a gas
increase in external pressure on a gas causes the volume of the gas to decrease by the law stating that the
same factor. For example, at constant temperature, if the pressure of a gas doubles, the volume of a fixed
volume of the gas decreases by one-half. Similarly, if the pressure on a gas is reduced amount of gas at a
by one-half, the volume of the gas doubles. These observations led to Boyle’s law, constant temperature is
inversely proportional
which states that the volume of a fixed amount of gas at a constant temperature varies to the applied (external)
inversely with the pressure. pressure on the gas:
V∝ 1_
P
V∝_
1
P

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 Developing a Mathematical Expression of Boyle’s Law
A relationship in which one variable increases proportionally as the other variable
decreases is known mathematically as an inverse proportion. As Boyle observed,
in the case of the volume and pressure of a gas, volume, V, decreases as pressure, P,
increases. Thus, the relationship can be expressed as V α _ 1
, where α is the symbol
P
for proportionality. The graphs in Figure 11.11 help illustrate how the mathematical
equation for Boyle’s law is developed. Graph A represents volume, V, versus pressure,
P, and the graph’s shape is typical of an inversely proportional relationship. If the
relationship is in fact an inverse proportion, you should get a straight line by plotting
volume against the inverse of pressure, _ 1
, which is evident in Graph B.
P
A Volume versus Pressure B Volume versus the Inverse of Pressure

20 20
15 15
V (mL)

V (mL)
10 10
5 5
0 0
1000 2000 3000 0.0005 0.0010 0.0015 0.0020
P (kPa) 1
P
(kPa-1)

Figure 11.11 The graph for volume versus pressure (A) shows an inverse relationship.
When you plot volume versus the inverse of pressure (B), you get a straight line.

You can use Graph B in Figure 11.11 to write a linear relationship relating volume
and pressure of a gas. From your study of mathematics, you know that the general
expression for a straight line is y = mx + b, where m is the slope of the line and b is the
y-intercept. This information allows you to develop Boyle’s law in mathematical form
by following a few steps, as shown below.
Begin with the general expression for a straight line. y = mx + b

In Graph B, the y-axis represents volume, V, and the x-axis represents the V=m _
1
(P)
+b
inverse of pressure, _
1
. Use these values to rewrite the expression.
P
The symbol m represents the slope of the line and b is the y-intercept. From the V=m _
1
(P)
graph, you can see that the line passes through the origin. Thus, b = 0.

Multiply both sides of the equation by P. This shows that PV is equal to a PV = Pm _

()
1
constant, which is the slope of the line. P
PV = m

Let P1V1 represent pressure and volume at one data point on the graph, and P1V1 = m
let P2V2 represent pressure and volume at a second data point. The product of and
pressure and volume at each point equals the constant, m.
P2V2 = m

Because the products of P1V1 and P2V2 are equal to the same constant, they are P1V1 = P2V2
equal to each other.

Therefore, the mathematical expression for Boyle’s law is

P1V1 = P2V2
Remember, this mathematical relationship only applies if the amount of gas and the
temperature remain constant. You will use this expression of Boyle’s law to understand
other gas laws that you will explore in the rest of this chapter and in the next chapter.
The following Sample Problem and Practice Problems will reinforce your
understanding of Boyle’s law.

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 Sample Problem

Using Boyle’s Law to Calculate Volume

Problem
A weather balloon with a volume of 2.00 × 103 L at a pressure of 96.3 kPa rises to an
altitude of 1.00 × 103 m, where the atmospheric pressure is measured to be 60.8 kPa.
Assuming there is no change in temperature or amount of gas, what is the final
volume of the weather balloon?

What Is Required?
You need to find the volume, V2, after the pressure on the balloon has decreased.

What Is Given?
You know the pressure and volume for the first set of conditions and the pressure
for the final set of conditions.
P1 = 96.3 kPa
V1 = 2.00 × 103
P2 = 60.8 kPa
You know the temperature does not change.

Plan Your Strategy Act on Your Strategy

Pressure and volume are changing, at constant temperature P1V1 = P2V2
and amount of gas. Therefore, use the equation for
Boyle’s law.
Isolate the variable V2 by dividing each side of the equation P1V1 = P2V2
by P2. P1V1 _
PV
_ = 2 2
P2 P2
P
_ V
1 1
= V2
P2

PV
Substitute numbers and units for the known variables in V2 = _
1 1
P2
the formula and solve. Make certain that the same units for
(96.3 kPa)(2.00 × 103 L)
pressure are used in the equation. = __
60.8 kPa
= 3.17 × 103 L

According to Boyle’s law, when the amount and temperature of a gas are constant, there is
an inverse relationship between the pressure and volume of a gas: V α _
1
P
Alternative Solution

Plan Your Strategy Act on Your Strategy

According to Boyle’s law, a decrease in pressure will cause P1 = 96.3 kPa
an increase in volume. Determine the ratio of the initial P2 = 60.8 kPa
pressure and the final pressure that is greater than 1. pressure ratio > 1 is _
96.3 kPa
60.8 kPa
To find the final volume, multiply the initial volume of the V2 = V1 × pressure ratio
balloon by the ratio of the two pressures that is greater
than 1. = (2.00 × 103 L) × _
96.3 kPa
60.8 kPa
= 3.17 × 103 L

Check Your Solution

The units cancel out to leave the correct unit of volume, L. You would expect the volume
to increase when the pressure decreases, which is represented by the value determined.

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 Practice Problems

Note: Assume that the temperature and amount of gas 6. The volume of carbon dioxide in a fire extinguisher
are constant in all of the following problems. is 25.5 L. The pressure of the gas in this can is
1. 1.00 L of a gas at 1.00 atm pressure is compressed to 260 psi. What is the volume of carbon dioxide
0.437 L. What is the new pressure of the gas? released when sprayed if the room pressure is 15 psi?
2. A container with a volume of 60.0 mL holds a sample 7. A 50.0 mL sample of hydrogen gas is collected at
of gas. The gas is at a pressure of 99.5 kPa. If the standard atmospheric pressure. What is the volume of
container is compressed to one-quarter of its volume, the gas if it is compressed to a pressure of 3.50 atm?
what is the pressure of the gas in the container? 8. A portable air compressor has an air capacity of
3. Atmospheric pressure on the peak of Mount Everest 15.2 L and an interior pressure of 110 psi. If all the
can be as low as 0.20 atm. If the volume of an oxygen air in the tank is released, what volume will that air
tank is 10.0 L, at what pressure must the tank be occupy at an atmospheric pressure of 102 kPa?
filled so that the gas inside would occupy a volume 9. A scuba tank with a volume of 10.0 L holds air at a
of 1.2 × 103 L at this pressure? pressure of 1.75 × 104 kPa. What volume of air at
4. If a person has 2.0 × 102 mL of trapped intestinal gas an atmospheric pressure of 101 kPa was compressed
at an atmospheric pressure of 0.98 atm, what would into the tank if the temperature of the air in the tank
the volume of gas be (in litres) at a higher altitude is the same as the temperature of the air before it was
that has an atmospheric pressure of 0.72 atm? compressed?
5. Decaying vegetation at the bottom of a pond contains 10. An oxygen tank has a volume of 45 L and is
trapped methane gas. 5.5 × 102 mL of gas are released. pressurized to 1200 psi.
When the gas rises to the surface, it now occupies a. What volume of gas would be released at 765 torr?
7.0 × 102 mL. If the surface pressure is 101 kPa, what b. If the flow of gas from the tank is 6.5 L per
was the pressure at the bottom of the pond? minute, how long would the tank last?

Kinetic Molecular Theory and Boyle’s Law

Pressure on the walls of a gas-filled container is caused by collisions of gas molecules
with the walls. Each collision of a gas molecule exerts a force on the wall. The average
force exerted by all the gas molecules divided by the surface area of the container is
equivalent to the pressure on the walls of the container. Examine Figure 11.12 to see
what happens when you change the external pressure on the gas. The containers have
pistons that will move until the external pressure and the internal pressure are equal.
If you increase the external pressure, the piston will move down, reducing the volume
available to the gas molecules. The gas molecules are now closer together and collide
with one another and the walls of the container more often. As the number of collisions
over time increases, the average force exerted by all the molecules increases; thus,
the gas pressure increases. If the temperature remains constant and no gas escapes or
enters, the decrease in the volume of the container will be inversely proportional to the
increase in the gas pressure.

Pext
Figure 11.12 The kinetic
molecular theory can
explain the relationship Pext
Higher Pext causes
Pgas Pext increases,
between pressure lower V, which causes
T and n fixed more collisions,
and volume. (d1 and Pgas = Pext
increasing the pressure
d2 represent average until Pgas = Pext
distances of molecules d1 d2
Pgas
from the container wall.)

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 Section 11.2 RE V I E W

Section Summary
• Atmospheric pressure is the force that a column of air • The relationship between pressure and volume of a gas
exerts on Earth’s surface divided by the area of Earth’s can be explained using the kinetic molecular theory. As
surface at the base of that column. the external pressure on a gas increases, the volume of the
• Atmospheric pressure decreases as altitude increases. gas decreases. As the volume decreases, the gas molecules
become closer together, causing the frequency of collision of
• Boyle’s law states that the volume of gas is inversely
the molecules to increase, thus increasing the gas pressure.
proportional to the external pressure exerted on the gas
when the temperature and amount of gas are constant.
The equation for Boyle’s law is P1V1 = P2V2 .

Review Questions
1. K/U Describe how Torricelli’s studies demonstrated 10. C A student performs an investigation to study the
the existence of atmospheric pressure. Include an relationship between the pressure and volume of a gas.
explanation of the apparatus he used in his investigations. The experimental data are represented in the graph.
2. K/U What is the relationship between atmospheric Pressure–Volume Changes
pressure and altitude?
10 (1.0 atm, 10 L)
3. A Fluid moves up a drinking straw, against gravity.

Volume (L)
8
a. Explain how fluid from a glass can rise in the straw, 6
without anyone applying suction to drink from it. 4 (2.0 atm, 5 L)
b. Would the use of a drinking straw be affected by 2
(4.0 atm, 2.5 L)
changes in altitude? Explain. 0
0 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 3.5 4.0
4. K/UExplain why people who climb high mountains Pressure (atm)
commonly carry bottled oxygen with them.
5. T/I For each of the following, determine which a. Do the data support Boyle’s law? Explain.
measurement is the higher pressure. b. How could the data be plotted so that the graph is a
a. 1.25 atm or 101.325 kPa straight line? Draw such a graph, including x- and
b. 1.5 bar or 740 mmHg y-axis labels.
c. 1 bar or 105 kPa 11. T/I The volume of a gas at 75 kPa is 4.0 L. What is
d. 800 mmHg or 1.25 atm the volume of the gas if the pressure increases to
6. T/I A student collects hydrogen gas in a balloon
100.0 kPa? Assume the temperature and amount of
fitted over the top of an Erlenmeyer flask. She records gas are constant.
the atmospheric pressure as 98.5 kPa. Later she notices 12. T/I An air compressor tank has a volume of 60.0 L.
that the volume of the balloon has noticeably The air from this compressor was released and found to
decreased. Initially, she hypothesizes that some of the be 2.50 × 102 L at a room air pressure of 100.0 kPa.
hydrogen gas has escaped from the balloon. What data What was the pressure of the air in the compressor tank?
would you advise her to collect in order to confirm or Assume the temperature and amount of gas are constant.
refute her hypothesis? Explain your reasoning. 13. T/I A 20 L tank is filled with helium gas at a pressure
7. A One popular demonstration of gas behaviour of 10 000 kPa. How many balloons, each with a volume
involves putting a marshmallow in a flask and then of 2.0 L, can be filled to a pressure of 100 kPa? Assume
reducing the air pressure in the flask. The marshmallow the temperature and amount of gas are constant.
quickly swells up. How can you explain this observation? 14. C Predict what would occur if a 3 L helium balloon
8. A When scuba divers are rising after a dive, why was taken underwater to a depth of 30 m where the
is it important that they do not hold their breath? pressure is 3 atm. Using kinetic molecular theory and a
9. K/U Describe how Robert Boyle investigated the
series of diagrams, explain any changes in volume.
relationship between the pressure and volume of a gas. (Assume there is no loss of helium and the water does
not change temperature.)

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 SECTION
Gases and Temperature Changes
11.3
Key Terms So far, you have studied gas laws in terms of a fixed amount of gas at a constant
temperature. However, you know that gas behaviour is affected by changes in
absolute zero
temperature as well as changes in pressure. Scientific inquiries conducted in the late
Charles’s law
1700s and early 1800s demonstrated connections between the temperature of a gas
Gay-Lussac’s law
and its pressure and volume. These inquiries led to the development of two gas laws
that complement Boyle’s law. One of these laws describes the relationship between
the temperature and volume of a gas at constant pressure. The other law describes the
relationship between temperature and pressure when the volume of the gas is fixed.

The Relationship between Gas Volume and Temperature

During the last two decades of the 1700s, ballooning became a popular pursuit among
inventors and scientists in France. Both the hot-air balloon and the hydrogen balloon
were invented during this time. Two prominent French scientists, Jacques Charles
(1746–1823) and Joseph Louis Gay-Lussac (1778–1850), were especially interested in
ballooning. These scientists realized that there was a connection between the behaviour
of the balloons and the properties and behaviour of gases in general.
Working independently, both Charles and Gay-Lussac discovered the same
principle: As long as the amount of gas and the pressure on the gas are constant for
a specific experiment, there is an increase in volume of a gas with an increase in
temperature. Thus, the volume of a gas is proportional to the temperature of a gas.
You can see this idea represented in Figure 11.13. The graphs show that plotting volume
versus temperature results in a straight-line graph, when pressure and amount of gas
are constant.
These graphs also show another consistent result that Charles and Gay-Lussac
obtained in their studies. When linear plots of volume versus temperature are
extrapolated to zero volume, all the lines converge at one value of temperature:
−273.15°C. Using more recent technology to collect data than was available to either
Charles or Gay-Lussac, scientists have found that the temperature for zero volume of
a gas is, in fact, −273.15°C. In actual circumstances, no real gas can have a volume
of zero, but experimental data do in fact show that volume approaches zero as
temperature approaches −273.15°C.
Extrapolated Volume versus Temperature Data at Four Different Pressures

50
P1
40
P2
V (mL)

30
P3
20
-273.15 °C P4
10

0
-300 -200 -100 0 100 200 300 400 500
T ( °C)

Figure 11.13 These graphs represent four experiments in which the same amount of gas was
used and data were collected at four different pressures (P1 to P4). The solid portions of the
lines represent the temperatures at which data were taken. The dashed portions represent the
extrapolation of the volume versus temperature plots. All of the plots intersect at −273.15°C.

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 The Kelvin Temperature Scale and Absolute Zero
In 1848, twenty-five years after the death of Jacques Charles, Scottish physicist Lord
absolute zero the
Kelvin (William Thomson, 1824–1907) interpreted the significance of the extrapolated lowest theoretical
temperature at zero volume of a gas. Kelvin suggested that −273.15°C was the lowest temperature, equivalent
possible temperature, or absolute zero. He then established a new temperature scale to −273.15°C; the
based on absolute zero as the starting point on the scale. The temperature scale was temperature at which
the volume of a gas
named the Kelvin scale in his honour. approaches zero
Figure 11.14 compares the Celsius and Kelvin temperature scales. The name of a
unit in the Kelvin scale is the kelvin (K). The size of the kelvin is the same as the size of
a Celsius degree, but the term “degree” is not used when reporting temperatures on the
Kelvin scale. As well, the starting points for these two temperature scales are different.
Notice that there are no negative values on the Kelvin scale. What would happen if
you tried to calculate a temperature that is twice as warm as −5°C? Mathematically,
the answer would be −10°C, but this is a colder temperature. When mathematical
manipulations are involved in studying gas behaviour, you need to convert
temperatures from the Celsius scale to the Kelvin scale.

For converting Celsius to kelvin: K = °C + 273.15

For converting kelvin to Celsius: °C = K - 273.15

The rounded-off value of 273 is often used as the conversion factor relating K and °C.

Celsius Scale Kelvin Scale

100 °C 373 K
100° 373
80° Boiling Water 353
60° 333
40° 313
20° 0 °C 273 K 293
0° 273
-20° Freezing Water 253
-40° 233
-60° 213
-80° 193
-100° 173
-120° 153
-140° 133
-160° 113
-180° 93
-200° 73
-220° 53
-240° 33
-273 °C 0K
-260° 13

Absolute Zero

Figure 11.14 There are 273 temperature units between absolute zero and the freezing
temperature of water on the Celsius and Kelvin scales. There are also 100 temperature units
between the freezing and boiling temperatures of water on both scales.
Apply If you double a Celsius temperature, by how much does the Kelvin temperature increase?

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 Learning Check

13. What is the relationship between the temperature 17. Why is it necessary to keep the pressure of a gas
and volume of a gas at constant pressure and amount? constant when studying the relationship between
14. What is absolute zero, and what is its significance? temperature and volume of a gas?
15. Examine the graph in Figure 11.13. What do all the 18. A teacher pours liquid nitrogen at a temperature of
graph lines have in common? 77 K over a balloon. Predict the changes that would
occur to the balloon.
16. Make the following temperature conversions.
a. 27.3°C to K c. 373.2 K to °C
b. -25°C to K d. 23.5 K to °C

Activity 11.2 Analyzing the Temperature-Volume Relationship of a Gas

In this activity, you will use data from the table below and Procedure
the graph that you construct from them to analyze the 1. Copy and complete the data table. For the second
relationship between the temperature of a gas and its volume column, you must calculate the Kelvin equivalent. For
and to infer the importance of the Kelvin temperature scale. the last two columns, you must calculate the quotient
of volume divided by temperature.
Volume versus Temperature Data
2. Draw one graph using the data from columns 1 and 3.
Tempe- Tempe-
rature rature
Volume
3 ​  __
   __
  
Volume (cm3)
    ​ ​ 
Volume (cm3)
    ​
Draw a second graph using the data from columns 2 and 3.
(cm ) Temperature (°C) Temperature (K)
(°C) (K)
Questions
8.0 29.5
1. Use a Venn diagram to describe how the two graphs that
20.0 30.8 you drew are similar and how they are different.
30.0 32.1 2. What is the x-intercept on each graph? What does each
represent?
40.0 32.9
3. What is the y-intercept on each graph? What does each
50.0 33.9
represent?
60.0 35.0
4. How do the values of ​ _ V
 ​ (°C) compare to the values of
T
70.0 36.1 _V
​   ​ (K)? Explain the significance of these sets of data.
T
Materials 5. Based on the data in this activity, what relationship seems to
exist between the volume and temperature of a gas, when
• graph paper
pressure and amount of gas remain constant? How is that
• ruler
relationship affected by the temperature scale that is used?

Charles’s Law and the Kelvin Temperature Scale

You learned at the start of this section that the volume of a gas is proportional to its
Charles’s law  a gas law
stating that the volume temperature, when pressure and amount of gas are constant. This relationship between
of a fixed amount of gas temperature and volume has become known as Charles’s law. This law is often stated
at a constant pressure is in terms of a directly proportional relationship between temperature and volume. This
directly proportional to statement only holds true, however, if the temperature is expressed in Kelvin units. To
the Kelvin temperature
of the gas: V ∝ T understand why, examine the graphs in Figure 11.5.
Both graphs show that the plot of temperature versus volume is a straight line, but
notice that Graph A—in which temperature is in degrees Celsius—does not show a
direct proportion. The graph of the line does not pass through the origin, and doubling
the temperature does not double the volume. Graph B does show a direct proportion;
temperature is in kelvins, and the graph of the line passes through the origin. A
temperature of 0 K corresponds to 0 mL. Doubling the temperature doubles the volume.

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 A Celsius Scale B Kelvin Scale

P3 P3
100 100

80 80
V (mL)

V (mL)
P2 P2
60 60
b3
40 40
b2 P1 P1
20 20
b1

-300 -200 -100 0 100 200 300 0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700
T ( °C) T (K)

Figure 11.15 (A) Using the Celsius temperature scale produces straight-line graphs that have SuggestedInvestigation
three different y-intercepts. (B) Using the Kelvin temperature scale produces straight-line graphs
with the same y-intercept. Inquiry Investigation 11-B,
Analyze Identify the x- and y-intercepts for each graph. Studying Charles’s Law

Developing a Mathematical Expression of Charles’s Law

If temperature is expressed in Kelvin, the mathematical expression of Charles’s law
can be derived easily. The steps are similar to the method you used to create the
mathematical expression for Boyle’s law.
Begin with the general expression for a straight line. y = mx + b
In a graph of volume versus temperature, let the y-axis represent volume, V, V = mT + b
and let the x-axis represent temperature, T, in kelvins. Use these values to
rewrite the expression.
The symbol m represents the slope of the line and b is the y-intercept. V = mT
Because temperature is expressed in kelvins, the line representing volume and
temperature passes through the origin. Thus, b = 0.

Divide both sides of the equation by T. This shows that _

V
is equal to a _
V _
= mT
T T T
constant, m, which is the slope of the line.
_
V
=m
T

V V1
Let _1 represent the volume and temperature at one data point on the graph _ =m
T1 T1
V
and let _2 represent volume and temperature at a second data point. The and
T2
quotient of volume divided by temperature at each point equals the constant, m. V2
_ =m
T2

V V V1 _
V
Because the quotients of _1 and _2 are equal to the same constant, they are _ = 2
T1 T2 T1 T2
equal to each other.

Charles’s law is expressed mathematically as

V1 _
_ V
= 2
T1 T2
This relationship only applies if the pressure and amount of gas are kept constant and
if temperature is in kelvin units. The following Sample Problems and Practice Problems
will reinforce your understanding of Charles’s law.

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 Sample Problem

Using Charles’s Law to Calculate Volume of a Gas

Problem
A balloon inflated with air in a room in which the temperature of the air is 295 K has a
volume of 650 mL. The balloon is put into a refrigerator at 277 K and left long enough for
the air in the balloon to reach the same temperature as the air in the refrigerator. Predict
the volume of the balloon, assuming that the amount of air has not changed and the air
pressure in the room and in the refrigerator are the same.

What Is Required?
You need to find the volume, V2, of the balloon after it has been cooled to 277 K.

What Is Given?
You know the volume and temperature of the air sample for the first set of conditions
and the temperature for the second set of conditions:
V1 = 650 mL
T1 = 295 K
T2 = 277 K

Plan Your Strategy Act on Your Strategy

Temperature and volume are changing at constant V1 _
_ V
= 2
pressure and amount of gas. Therefore, use the T1 T2
equation for Charles’s law.

Isolate the variable V2 by multiplying each side of the V1

_ V
(T2) = _2 (T2)
equation by T2 and rearranging the equation. T1 T2
V1T2
_ = V2
T1
Substitute numbers and units for the known variables VT
V2 = _
1 2
in the formula and solve. Since the lowest number of T1
significant digits in values in the question is two, the (650 mL)(277 K)
__
=
final volume is reported to two significant digits. (295 K)
= 610 mL

According to Charles’s law, when the amount and pressure of a gas are constant, there is a
directly proportional relationship between the volume of the gas and its Kelvin temperature:
V∝T

Alternative Solution
Plan Your Strategy Act on Your Strategy
According to Charles’s law, a decrease in temperature T2 = 277 K
will cause a decrease in volume. Determine the ratio T1 = 295 K
of the initial temperature and the final temperature temperature ratio < 1 is _
277 K
295 K
that is less than 1.

To find the final volume, multiply the initial volume of V2 = V1 × temperature ratio
the balloon by the ratio of the two Kelvin temperatures = (650 mL) × _
277 K
that is less than 1. 295 K
= 610 mL

Check Your Solution

Volume units remain when the other units cancel out. Because the temperature decreases,
the volume is expected to decrease. The answer represents a lower value for the volume.

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 Sample Problem

Using Charles’s Law to Calculate Temperature of a Gas

Problem
A birthday balloon is filled to a volume of 1.50 L of helium gas in an air-conditioned room
at 294 K. The balloon is then taken outdoors on a warm sunny day and left to float as a
decoration. The volume of the balloon expands to 1.55 L. Assuming that the pressure and
amount of gas remain constant, what is the air temperature outdoors in kelvins?

What Is Required?
You need to find the outdoor air temperature, ​T2 ​ ​, in K.

What Is Given?
You know the volume and temperature of the air sample for the initial set of conditions and
the volume for the final set of conditions:
​V 1​ ​= 1.50 L
​T 1​ ​= 294 K
​V 2​ ​= 1.55 L

Plan Your Strategy Act on Your Strategy

Temperature and volume are changing at constant pressure ​  ​ ​ ​  ​ ​
 ​_1​    ​= ​ _2​    ​
V V
and amount of gas. Therefore, use the equation for ​T1  ​ ​T 2​
Charles’s law.
Isolate the variable ​T2 ​ ​by multiplying each side of the
​
equation first by ​T 2​ ​and then by ​ _1​   ​.
​T  ​ ( ​V​T  ​​​) ( ​V​T  ​​​)
​ ​ _1​    ​ ​(​T2 ​ ​) = ​ ​ _2​    ​ ​(​T2 ​ ​)
1 2
​V1  ​ ​V ​ ​ ​T ​ ​ ​T ​ ​
​(​ _​    ​)​​(​ _​  ​)​​T ​  ​= ​V ​ ​​(​ _​  ​)​
1 1
2 2
1
​T  ​ ​V  ​
1 1 ​V  ​
1

​V2 ​ ​​T 1​  ​
​T 2​  ​= ​ _     ​
​V1 ​ ​
Substitute numbers and units for the known variables in the ​V2 ​ ​​T 1​  ​
​T2 ​ ​= ​  _    ​
formula and solve. ​V1 ​ ​
​= __
Since the number of significant digits in values in the (1.55 L)(294 K)
​       ​ 
question is three, the final volume is reported to three (1.50 L)
significant digits. ​= 304 K

Alternative Solution
Plan Your Strategy Act on Your Strategy
According to Charles’s law, an increase in temperature will ​ 1 ​ ​ = 1.50 L
V
cause an increase in volume. Determine the ratio of the initial ​V2 ​ ​ = 1.55 L
volume and the final volume that is greater than 1. volume ratio > 1 is _
​ 1.55 L  
​ 
1.50 L
To find the final temperature, multiply the initial temperature ​T2 ​ ​= ​T1 ​ ​ × volume ratio
of the balloon by the ratio of the two volumes that is greater ​= (294 K) × _
​ 1.55 L  
​ 
than 1. 1.50 L
​= 304 K

Check Your Solution

The unit for the answer is kelvins. When the other units cancel out, kelvins remain. Because
the volume of the balloon had increased, you would expect that the temperature had increased.
The answer represents an increase in temperature.

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 Practice Problems

Note: Assume that the pressure and amount of gas are 17. A sealed syringe contains 37.0 mL of trapped air.
constant in all of the problems except question 20. The temperature of the air in the syringe is
11. A gas has a volume of 6.0 L at a temperature of 295 K. The sun shines on the syringe, causing
250 K. What volume will the gas have at 450 K? the temperature of the air inside it to increase. If
12. A syringe is filled with 30.0 mL of air at 298.15 K. If the volume increases to 38.6 mL, what is the new
the temperature is raised to 353.25 K, what volume temperature of the air in the syringe?
will the syringe indicate? 18. A beach ball is inflated to a volume of 25 L of air
13. The temperature of a 2.25 L sample of gas decreases in the cool of the morning at 15°C. During the
from 35.0°C to 20.0°C. What is the new volume? afternoon, the volume changes to 26 L. What was
the Celsius air temperature in the afternoon?
14. A balloon is inflated with air in a room in which the
air temperature is 27°C. When the balloon is placed 19. The volume of a 1.50 L balloon at room temperature
in a freezer at -20.0°C, the volume is 80.0 L. What increases by 25.0 percent when placed in a hot-water
was the original volume of the balloon? bath. How does the temperature of the water bath
compare with room temperature?
15. At a summer outdoor air temperature of 30.0°C, a
particular size of bicycle tire has an interior volume 20. Compressed gases can be condensed when they
of 685 cm3. The bicycle has been left outside in the are cooled. A 5.00 × 102 mL sample of carbon
winter and the outdoor air temperature drops to dioxide gas at room temperature (assume 25.0°C) is
-25.0°C. Assuming the tire had been filled with air compressed by a factor of four, and then is cooled
in the summer, to what volume would the tire be so that its volume is reduced to 25.0 mL. What
reduced at the winter air temperature? must the final temperature be (in °C)? (Hint: Use
both Boyle’s law and Charles’s law to answer the
16. At 275 K, a gas has a volume of 25.5 mL. What is its
question.)
temperature if its volume increases to 50.0 mL?

Kinetic Molecular Theory and Charles’s Law

Applying the kinetic molecular theory to Charles’s law is shown in Figure 11.16.
The Kelvin temperature of a gas is directly proportional to the average kinetic energy
of the gas molecules. An object’s kinetic energy is related to its speed (Ek = _ 1
mv2).
2
As the temperature of a gas increases, the molecules move at higher speeds. As a result,
they collide with the walls of the container and with one another more frequently and
with greater force. Therefore, they exert a greater pressure on the walls of the container.
If, however, the external pressure on the gas stays the same, the gas pressure causes the
container to increase in size. As the volume of the container gets larger, the gas molecules
must travel farther to collide with the walls of the container and with one another. As
the collisions become less frequent, the pressure drops. The process continues until the
pressure inside the container is once again equal to the external pressure.

Patm
Figure 11.16 When the
temperature of a gas
increases, the speed of the
gas molecules increases. Patm Patm Pgas
T1
The gas molecules collide T2 T2
with the walls of the T increases V increases
container more frequently, Pgas Pgas
thus increasing the fixed n
pressure. If the external
pressure remains the
same, the gas pushes the Pgas = Patm Higher T increases speed V increases until
piston up and increases the and thus collision frequency: Pgas = Patm
volume of the container. Pgas > Patm

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 Gay-Lussac’s Law: The Relationship between Temperature and Pressure
Most gases, such as those used for many industrial, commercial, and medical purposes,
are stored in containers that have a fixed volume. Compressed gases such as oxygen and
nitrogen are usually stored in rigid cylinders and tanks, often with gauges such as the one
shown in Figure 11.17. You know that temperature is a measure of the average kinetic
energy of the molecules making up a substance. If the temperature of a gas increases, but Gay-Lussac’s law
the volume of its container cannot increase, what happens to the pressure of the gas inside? a gas law stating that
the pressure of a fixed
Extending the work of Charles, Louis Gay-Lussac discovered the relationship amount of gas at a
between temperature and pressure acting on a fixed volume of a gas. As the constant volume is
temperature of the gas increases, so does the pressure. In fact, when temperature is directly proportional
expressed in kelvins, the relationship between temperature and pressure is directly to its Kelvin
temperature: P ∝ T
proportional. This relationship is now referred to as Gay-Lussac’s law.

Figure 11.17 Many gases are stored at high pressure in tanks such as this one. These tanks
typically have gauges that monitor the pressure of the gas.
Explain Why do compressed gas cylinders often have a pressure relief valve, which causes
the release of gas when the temperature increases?

Activity 11.3 Egg in a Bottle (Teacher Demonstration)

This activity shows the relationship between gas pressure 2. The bottle will be placed in a hot-water bath for 5 to 10
and temperature when gas volume is constant. Your teacher min and then transferred to a cold-water bath. Observe
will demonstrate it in order to avoid wasting food. what happens to the egg.

Materials Questions
• peeled, hard-boiled egg 1. Describe what happened to the egg when the bottle was
• heat-proof glass bottle (neck opening should be just transferred to the cold-water bath.
a little too small for the peeled hard-boiled egg to 2. Describe the change in pressure and temperature of the
go through) air in the bottle when the bottle is in the hot-water bath
• ice-water bath and then in the cold-water bath.
• hot-water bath 3. Explain why the result you observed occurred.

Procedure 4. How would the result change if a flexible container had

1. Observe as a cooled, peeled, hard-boiled egg is been used instead of a bottle?
placed in the opening of a bottle. The egg should
have its tapered-side down and be sitting on the
rim of the bottle.

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 Developing a Mathematical Expression for Gay-Lussac’s Law
Gay-Lussac’s law states that the pressure of a fixed amount of gas, at constant volume,
is directly proportional to its Kelvin temperature. The relationship can be expressed
as P α T, where T is given in kelvins.
Using the general expression for a straight line (y = mx + b) and applying the
same mathematical treatment used for Charles’s law, a mathematical expression for
Gay-Lussac’s law is
P1
_ P
= _2
T1 T2
For this equation, P1 and T1 represent the initial pressure and temperature conditions
and P2 and T2 represent the final pressure and temperature conditions. The relationship
applies as long as the volume and amount of a gas are constant and the temperature is
expressed in kelvins.
The following Sample Problem and Practice Problems will reinforce your
understanding of Gay-Lussac’s law.

Sample Problem

Using Gay-Lussac’s Law To Calculate Pressure of a Gas

Problem
The pressure of the oxygen gas inside a canister with a fixed volume is 5.0 atm at 298 K.
What is the pressure of the oxygen gas inside the canister if the temperature changes to 263 K?
Assume the amount of gas remains constant.
What is Required?
You need to find the new pressure, P2, of the oxygen gas inside the canister resulting from a
decrease in temperature:

What is Given?
You know the initial pressure of the oxygen gas in the canister, as well as the initial and final
air temperatures:
P1 = 5.0 atm
T1 = 298 K
T2 = 263 K

Plan Your Strategy Act on Your Strategy

Temperature and pressure are changing at constant P1
_ P
= _2
volume and amount of gas. Therefore, use the T1 T2
equation for Gay-Lussac’s law.
Isolate the variable P2 by multiplying each side of P1
_ P
(T2) = _2 (T2)
the equation by T2 T1 T2
P1T2
_ = P2
T1
Substitute numbers and units for the known variables PT
P2 = _
1 2
in the formula and solve. T1
Since the lowest number of significant digits in values (5.0 atm)(263 K)
__
=
in the question is two, the final pressure is reported to 298 K
two significant digits. = 4.4 atm

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 According to Gay-Lussac’s law, when the amount and volume of a gas are constant,
there is a directly proportional relationship between the pressure of the gas and its
Kelvin temperature:
P∝T

Alternative Solution
Plan Your Strategy Act on Your Strategy
According to Gay-Lussac’s law, a decrease in T1 = 298 K
temperature will cause a decrease in pressure. T2 = 263 K
Determine the ratio of the initial temperature and the temperature ratio < 1 is _
263 K
298 K
final temperature that is less than 1.

To find the final pressure, multiply the initial pressure P2 = P1 × temperature ratio
of the gas by the ratio of the two temperatures that is = (5.0 atm) × _
263 K
less than 1. 298 K
= 4.4 atm

Check Your Solution

The result shows the expected decrease in pressure. With kelvin units cancelling out,
the remaining unit, atm, is a pressure unit.

Practice Problems

Note: Assume that the volume and amount of gas are b. Approximately how many times higher is that
constant in all of the following problems. new pressure compared to standard atmospheric
21. A gas is at 105 kPa and 300.0 K. What is the pressure pressure?
of the gas at 120.0 K? 26. A sealed can of gas is left near a heater, which causes
22. The pressure of a gas in a sealed canister is 350.0 kPa the pressure of the gas to increase to 1.4 atm. What
at a room temperature of 298 K. The canister is was the original pressure of the gas if its temperature
placed in a refrigerator and the temperature of the change was from 20.0°C to 90.0°C?
gas is reduced to 278 K. What is the new pressure 27. Helium gas in a 2.00 L cylinder has a pressure of
of the gas in the canister? 1.12 atm. When the temperature is changed to
23. A propane barbeque tank is filled in the winter at 310.0 K, that same gas sample has a pressure of
–15.0°C to a pressure of 2500 kPa. What will the 2.56 atm. What was the initial temperature of the
pressure of the propane become in the summer gas in the cylinder?
when the air temperature rises to 20.0°C? 28. A sample of neon gas is contained in a bulb at 150°C
24. A rubber automobile tire contains air at a pressure and 350 kPa. If the pressure drops to 103 kPa, find
of 370 kPa at 15.0°C. As the tire heats up, the the new temperature, in °C.
temperature of the air inside the tire rises to 60.0°C. 29. A storage tank is designed to hold a fixed volume of
What would the new pressure in the tire be? butane gas at 2.00 × 102 kPa and 39.0°C. To prevent
25. A partially filled aerosol can has an internal pressure dangerous pressure buildup, the tank has a relief
of 14.8 psi when the temperature is 20.0°C. valve that opens at 3.50 × 102 kPa. At what Celsius
a. What would the pressure in the can be, in kPa, temperature does the valve open?
if it were placed into an incinerator for disposal, 30. If a gas sample has a pressure of 30.7 kPa at 0.00°C,
which would have the effect of raising the by how many degrees Celsius does the temperature
temperature inside the can to 1800°C? have to increase to cause the pressure to double?

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 STSE

CHEMISTRY Connections
Health Under Pressure
You live, work, and play in air that is generally about
Blood vessel
1 atm in pressure and contains 21% oxygen. Have you D
ever wondered what might happen if the pressure and
the oxygen content of the air were greater? Would you C
recover from illness or injury more quickly? These
A B
questions are at the heart of hyperbaric medicine.
HYPERBARIC MEDICINE The prefix hyper- means above or
excessive, and a bar is a unit of pressure equal to 100 kPa,
which is roughly normal atmospheric pressure. Thus,
the term hyperbaric refers to pressure that is greater than
normal. Patients receiving hyperbaric therapy are exposed
to pressures greater than the pressure of the atmosphere
Lung
at sea level.
THE OXYGEN CONNECTION Greater pressure is most
Gases are exchanged between the lungs and the circulatory
often combined with an increase in the concentration system.
of oxygen that a patient receives. The phrase hyperbaric
oxygen therapy (HBOT) refers to treatment with 100%
oxygen. A chamber that might be used for HBOT is CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING Use the diagram above to
shown below. Inside the hyperbaric chamber, pressures help you understandC13-05A-874637.ai
how HBOT aids in the treatment of
can reach five to six times normal atmospheric pressure. carbon monoxide poisoning. be
At hyperbaric therapy centres across the country, HBOT NORMAL GAS EXCHANGE Oxygen, O2(g), moves from the
is used to treat a wide range of conditions, including lungs to the blood and binds to the hemoglobin in red blood
burns, decompression sickness, slow-healing wounds, cells. Carbon dioxide, CO2(g), is released, as shown by (A).
anemia, and some infections.
ABNORMAL GAS EXCHANGE If carbon monoxide, CO(g),
enters the blood, as shown by (B), it, instead of oxygen,
binds to the hemoglobin and enters blood cells (D). Cells in
the body begin to die from oxygen deprivation.
OXYGEN IN BLOOD PLASMA In addition to the oxygen carried
by hemoglobin, oxygen is dissolved in the blood plasma,
as shown by (C). HBOT increases the concentration of
dissolved oxygen to an amount that can sustain the body.
ELIMINATING CARBON MONOXIDE Pressurized oxygen also
helps to remove any carbon monoxide

Connect to the Environment

The engines of idling cars emit carbon monoxide. Write an

email to a friend or relative who likes to let his or her car
idle for many minutes in the winter to warm it up. Explain
why carbon monoxide is a dangerous pollutant. Do research
to strengthen your argument. Find out the connection
between ground-level ozone and carbon monoxide and why
that connection might harm the environment.

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 Section 11.3 RE V I E W

Section Summary
• The Kelvin temperature scale is based on a temperature of • Gay-Lussac’s law states that the pressure of a fixed
0 K at absolute zero. The size of a kelvin on the Kelvin scale amount of gas at a constant volume is directly
is the same as the size of a degree on the Celsius scale. proportional to the Kelvin temperature of the gas: P ∝ T
• Charles’s law states that the volume of a fixed amount of • The mathematical equation for Gay-Lussac’s law is
gas at a constant pressure is directly proportional to the P1
_ P
= _2 , where T is temperature in kelvin.
Kelvin temperature of the gas: V ∝ T. T1 T2
V V
• The mathematical equation for Charles’s law is _1 = _2 ,
T T1 2
where T is temperature in kelvin.

Review Questions
1. K/U Explain why it is theoretically possible for an 10. C An experiment was conducted to investigate
ideal gas to have a volume of zero but it is not possible Gay-Lussac’s law. The pressure was measured with an
for a real gas to have a volume of zero. increase in temperature. The volume and amount of
2. C Using a table or a graphic organizer such as a gas were kept constant.The data from the experiment
Venn diagram, summarize the similarities and are listed in the table below. Construct a graph using
differences between the Celsius and Kelvin scales. the data in the table to determine if Gay-Lussac’s law is
validated. Based on the graph, explain why the law is or
3. K/U Convert each of the following to K or °C.
is not supported by the data.
a. 37.8°C
b. 122.4°C Temperature and Pressure of a Gas

c. -40.0°C Temperature Reading (°C) Pressure Reading (kPa)

d. 275 K 10.0 101
e. 173.6 K 20.0 105
f. 873 K 30.0 109
4. K/U If the amount and pressure of a gas remain 50.0 116
constant, what happens to the volume of a gas as the 60.0 119
temperature decreases? Name the law that describes 75.0 125
this relationship. 100.0 134
5. C Draw a graph that represents the behaviour of a 11. T/I At 277.0 K, a gas has a pressure of 99.5 kPa.
gas according to Charles’s law. Provide an explanation What is the pressure of the gas at 210.0 K, if the volume
for why your graph represents that particular law. and amount of gas are constant?
6. A Describe an example from everyday life that 12. A In a fire, gas cylinders containing combustible
illustrates the principle of Charles’s law. gases are at risk of exploding, because the amount of
7. C Imagine that a classmate was absent when you gas and volume are fixed. If a tank of propane gas has
studied Charles’s law in class. Explain to this classmate an internal pressure of 1500 kPa at 20.0°C, what will
why it is necessary to use Kelvin temperatures and not the internal tank pressure become at 1000.0°C?
Celsius temperatures when doing problems involving 13. T/I A squash ball has an internal air pressure of
this law. 14.8 psi at a temperature of 18.0°C. During play, the
internal temperature of the air inside the ball rises to
8. T/I A sample of gas has a volume of 0.4 L at 293 K.
70.0°C. Assuming that the volume and amount of air
What is the volume of the gas at 523 K, assuming that inside the ball do not change, what is the new air
the pressure and amount of gas remain constant? pressure inside the ball?
9. T/I A sample of gas is originally at 30°C. What 14. A Assume you are in charge of designing a
temperature increase in degrees Celsius will produce container that would hold and deliver a combustible
a 10 percent increase in the volume of the gas? Assume gas at high pressure. Given your knowledge of
the pressure and amount of gas are constant. Gay-Lussac’s and Charles’s laws, what are some of the
features you would incorporate in your design?

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 Inquiry 11-A
INVESTIGATION
Skill Check

✓
Initiating and Planning
Performing and Recording
Studying Boyle’s Law
In this investigation, you will observe the change in the volume of air trapped
✓ Analyzing and Interpreting
inside a syringe when you apply pressure to the plunger of the syringe and thus
✓ Communicating
to the trapped air. You will use your data to show the relationship between the
pressure and volume of a gas and verify Boyle’s law.
Safety Precautions
Pre-Lab Questions
• Wear a lab apron and safety 1. Write a definition of Boyle’s law.
eyewear during this investigation. 2. What is the mathematical equation that represents the relationship between
• Be careful when placing the the pressure and volume of a gas, according to Boyle’s law?
materials that are used for weights. 3. Explain what is meant by an inversely proportional relationship between
Make sure to centre them on the two variables.
apparatus so they do not fall.
Question
Materials How does the volume of a gas vary with change in pressure, when temperature
• glue (strong) remains constant?
• 60 mL syringe
Prediction
• square piece of plexiglass (about
Predict what will happen to the air inside the syringe when you place weights on
15 to 20 cm on a side)
top of the plunger of the syringe.
• scale (with range up to 10 kg)
• rubber stopper with hole Procedure
• retort stand 1. Make a data table similar to the one below to record your data.
• 3 clamps Data Table

• barometer Atmospheric pressure (kPa): ____________

Cross-sectional area of syringe (m2): _______________
• weights (such as heavy books)
totalling a mass of at least 6 kg Number Weight Total Total Pressure Inverse of Volume
of of Weight (kPa) Pressure, (mL)
Objects Added on (atmospheric _1
Object Platform pressure + P
(N) (N) pressure due to (1/kPa)
object)
1 (plunger 0
and
Go to Constructing a Graph in Appendix A platform)
for help with drawing graphs.

2. Obtain a 60 mL syringe and measure its internal diameter. Ensure that

the plunger is airtight but slides freely. Calculate the radius of the syringe.
From the radius, calculate the cross-sectional area of the syringe using the
formula A = πr2.
3. Glue the plexiglass platform onto the top of the plunger. Be sure to centre
the platform.

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 4. Determine the weight of the plunger-platform the weight in your table. Remember that you calculate
assembly. To do this, first determine the mass of the this using the formula, weight (N) = mass (kg) ×
plunger using the scale. Then convert to weight in 9.81 m/s2.
newtons (N) by using the following equation: weight 12. Very carefully place the object on the platform. Be
(N) = mass (kg) × gravity (m/s2). For this calculation, sure to centre the object on the platform. Observe and
use 9.81 m/s2 for gravity. record the volume of the air in the syringe.
5. Insert the tip of the syringe into a small hole that has 13. Calculate the total weight of the platform plus object,
been drilled into a rubber stopper. The hole should the pressure due to the weight of the platform plus
be just deep enough to fit the tip of the syringe, but it object (similar to step 9), and total pressure on the air
should not penetrate the whole depth of the stopper. in the syringe (similar to step 10). Record the data.
The fit must be airtight.
14. Repeat steps 11 to 13 with more objects until you have
6. Assemble the apparatus as shown in the diagram. Notice added at least 60 N of weight to the platform.
that the rubber stopper is placed firmly against the base
of the retort stand. The clamps on the stopper and the Analyze and Interpret
syringe are tight. However, the uppermost clamp is not 1. What is the independent variable in this investigation?
touching the plunger. It is in place as a precaution to What is the dependent variable?
prevent the plunger from falling. When you insert the
2. Plot a graph of total volume, V (y-axis), versus
plunger into the syringe, trap as much air as possible.
pressure, P (x-axis).
3. Plot a graph of total volume, V (y-axis), versus the
inverse of the pressure, 1/P (x-axis).
4. Which graph, V versus P or V versus 1/P, appears to
give the straightest line?

Conclude and Communicate

5. Describe how your data illustrate the relationship
between volume and pressure.
6. Did your data support Boyle’s law? Explain why or
why not.

Extend Further

7. INQUIRY Describe the possible sources of error in

this investigation. In your description, address the
following questions: If the plunger and the rubber
7. Read the current atmospheric pressure from the stopper had not provided airtight seals, how would
barometer and record the value. (Atmospheric pressure this have affected your data? How might a change in
should not be corrected for altitude.) temperature of the air in the room you were in have
8. Record the weight of the plunger-platform apparatus affected your results?
and the volume of air in the syringe with the plunger in 8. RESEARCH Torricelli’s apparatus represents the first
place. barometer invented and it formed the basis for today’s
9. Calculate the pressure exerted by the plunger-platform models. Research current models of barometers and
apparatus by dividing the weight (force) by the some of their applications.
cross-sectional area of the plunger.
10. Calculate the total pressure by adding the atmospheric
pressure to the pressure due to the weight of the
plunger-platform apparatus. Record the total pressure.
11. Determine the weight of the object (such as a heavy
book) that you will be adding to the platform. Record

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 Inquiry 11-B
INVESTIGATION
Skill Check

✓
Initiating and Planning
Performing and Recording
Studying Charles’s Law
In this investigation, you will collect and use data to show the relationship
✓ Analyzing and Interpreting
between the temperature of a gas and its volume and verify Charles’s law.
✓ Communicating
Pre-Lab Questions
Safety Precautions 1. Write a verbal and mathematical definition of Charles’s law.
2. Explain what is meant by a directly proportional relationship between
• Wear safety goggles and a lab apron two variables.
during this investigation.
Question
• When unplugging the hot plate,
How does the volume of a gas vary with change in temperature, when pressure
make sure to pull on the plug, not
and amount of gas are kept constant?
the cord.
• Do not touch potentially hot Prediction
objects with your bare hands. Use Predict how the volume will change when the temperature of the gas changes.
thermal gloves to handle objects
that are hot. Procedure
• Be very careful when working Part A
around the hot water. 1. Make a data table similar to the one below to record your data.
Materials Data Table

• tap water Values to Measure Recorded Values

• ice A: room temperature (°C)
• 1000 mL beaker B: temperature of the hot water (°C)
• 50 mL graduated cylinder C: temperature of the hot water (K)

• two 125 mL dropping bottles with D: temperature of the cooling water (°C)
hinged caps E: temperature of the cooling water (K)

• retort stand F: total volume of air in the bottle at higher

temperature (mL)
• clamp for dropping bottle
G: change in volume of air in the bottle (mL)
• 600 mL beaker H: volume of air at lower temperature (mL)
• hot plate
• 2 liquid thermometers 2. Measure and record the temperature of the air in the room in line A.

• 2 thermometer clamps 3. Obtain a 1000 mL beaker, and add about 400 mL of tap water. Set the
beaker aside for use in step 7.
• ring clamp
4. Obtain a 125 mL dropping bottle with a hinged cap. Ensure that the lid is
• stirring rod
secured tightly to the bottle, with the hinged cap open.
5. Use a retort stand and clamp to suspend the assembled dropping bottle in
Go to Constructing a Graph in Appendix A a 600 mL beaker that is placed on a hot plate, as shown in the photo.
for help with drawing graphs.
6. Pour water into the beaker to cover about three-quarters of the bottle. Use a
thermometer clamp to attach a thermometer to the retort stand and insert the
thermometer into the water. The bulb should not touch the beaker bottom.

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 7. Heat the water to boiling. Then reduce the heat and
continue boiling for about 5 min. While waiting, place
the beaker with water that you prepared in step 3
beside the ring stand assembly, as shown in the photo.
Then clamp a second thermometer to the retort stand,
and insert the thermometer into the tap water. Make
sure the thermometer bulb does not touch the bottom
of the beaker.
8. After the water in the 600 mL beaker has boiled for
about 5 min, turn off the hot plate and record the
temperature of the boiling water in both °C and K (lines
B and C in the data table).
Part B
9. Close the hinged cap on the dropping bottle. Then,
1. Repeat Part A with a clean, dry dropping bottle and an
leaving the bottle attached to its clamp, remove the
ice-water bath for step 7. Complete a new data table.
bottle from the hot water by removing the clamp from
the retort stand.
Analyze and Interpret
10. With the bottle still attached to the clamp, immerse the 1. Using the equation for Charles’s law, calculate the
bottle in the water in the 1000 mL beaker. Be careful to expected volume of air when cooled in tap water.
avoid the thermometer as you immerse the bottle. Compare with the calculated final volume. Provide
11. Using a stirring rod, stir the water in the 1000 mL reasons for any difference between these two values.
beaker until the temperature no longer changes. Then 2. Construct a graph of volume versus temperature. Use
record the temperature of the water in both °C and K the volume of the gas and temperature in hot water, in
(lines D and E in data table). tap water, and in ice water. Plot the three data points on
12. Leave the bottle immersed in the tap water for about the graph and construct a line of best fit.
3 min. Then detach the bottle from the clamp and 3. Perform a graphical extrapolation and identify the
completely submerge the bottle in the water with your value of absolute zero, at the x-intercept. What is this
hand. When the bottle is completely submerged, open temperature in degrees Celsius?
the hinged cap and allow water to enter the bottle.
4. Calculate the percentage error in the absolute value of
13. Hold the bottle in an inverted position, with the cap zero, where the accepted value of zero is -273°C.
still open. Elevate or lower the bottle until the water
experimental value - (-273°C) × 100%
% error = ______________
level in the bottle is even with the water level in the
beaker. Close the cap. The air in the bottle is now at -273°C
atmospheric pressure.
Conclude and Communicate
14. Remove the bottle from the water and place it
5. Based on the data, what is the relationship between
rightside-up on the work surface.
temperature and volume?
15. The volume of water in the bottle is equal to the change
6. Was Charles’s law verified? Explain.
in volume of the air as it cooled from the temperature
of boiling water to the temperature of tap water. Use a
graduated cylinder to accurately measure the volume Extend Further
of the water in the bottle. Record this value in line G.
7. INQUIRY How would the results be affected if
16. To determine the starting volume of air in the bottle
a. the bottle was not left in the cooling water bath long
at the higher temperature, fill the bottle to the top
enough to reach room temperature?
with water. Use the graduated cylinder to measure the
b. the bottle was removed from the boiling water
volume of the water in the bottle. Record this in line F.
bath before the temperature of the gas reached the
17. Calculate the volume of air in the bottle at the lower temperature of the water bath?
temperature by subtracting the change in volume of air
8. RESEARCH Research how temperatures at or near
in the bottle from the total volume of air in the bottle
absolute zero are achieved in the laboratory, and
at the higher temperature. Record this value in line H.
describe the practical applications of examining matter
at absolute or near absolute zero.

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 Chapter 11 SUMMARY

Section 11.1 The Properties of Gases

Gases have characteristic properties, which can be • Attractive forces between particles that affect the states
explained at the molecular level by factors such as the of matter are attractions between oppositely charged
independent movement of gas particles and attractive particles, attractions between polar molecules, and
forces between gas particles. attractions between non-polar molecules.
• The properties that distinguish gases from liquids and
KEY TERMS
solids include compressibility, low viscosity, even and
ideal gas
complete mixing, low density, and expansion as a result of
kinetic molecular theory of gases
an increase in temperature.
KEY CONCEPTS • The kinetic molecular theory of gases is a model that
• Particles of matter behave in characteristic ways in each explains the visible properties of gases based on the
of the three states of matter. Attractive forces between behaviour of individual atoms or molecules of an ideal gas.
particles and the kinetic energy of the particles influence
how particles behave in each state.

Section 11.2 Gases and Pressure Changes

For a fixed amount of gas at a constant temperature, • Pascal’s investigations demonstrated the decrease in
the volume of the gas will increase as the pressure atmospheric pressure as a result of an increase in altitude.
decreases. • Boyle’s law states that the volume of a given amount of gas
is inversely proportional to the external pressure exerted
KEY TERMS
on the gas when the temperature is constant. The equation
atmospheric pressure
for Boyle’s law is P1V1 = P2V2 .
Boyle’s law
standard atmospheric pressure (SAP) • The relationship between the pressure and volume of a gas
can be explained using the kinetic molecular theory. As
KEY CONCEPTS the external pressure on a gas increases, the volume of the
• Atmospheric pressure is the force that a column of air gas decreases. As the volume decreases, the gas molecules
exerts on Earth’s surface divided by the area of Earth’s become closer together, causing the frequency of collision
surface at the base of that column. of the molecules to increase, thus increasing the gas
pressure.

Section 11.3 Gases and Temperature Changes

Both the pressure and volume of a gas are affected by • Charles’s law states that the volume of a fixed amount of
temperature. At a constant pressure, the volume of a gas gas at a constant pressure is directly proportional to the
will increase as the temperature increases. At a constant Kelvin temperature of the gas: V ∝ T.
V
• The mathematical equation for Charles’s law is _1 = _2 ,
volume, the pressure of a gas will increase with an V
increase in temperature. T1 T2
where T is the temperature in Kelvin.
KEY TERMS • Gay-Lussac’s law states that the pressure of a fixed amount
absolute zero of gas at a constant volume is directly proportional to the
Charles’s law Kelvin temperature of the gas: P ∝ T
P P
Gay-Lussac’s law • The mathematical equation for Gay-Lussac’s law is _1 = _2 ,
T1 T2
where T is the temperature in Kelvin.
KEY CONCEPTS
• The Kelvin temperature scale is based on a temperature of
0 K at absolute zero. The size of a kelvin on the Kelvin scale
is the same as the size of a degree on the Celsius scale.

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 Chapter 11 REVIEW

Knowledge and Understanding a. A d. D

Select the letter of the best answer below. b. B e. E
1. Which of the following are characteristics of atoms and c. C
molecules in the gas state? 6. A gas occupies a volume of 2.00 L at 300 mmHg and
I. They display rotational motion. 100°C. Which mathematical expression will give the
II. They have high kinetic energy. correct volume at 760 mmHg and 300°C?
III. They are held together by weak ionic bonds. a. 2.00 × _
300 _
× 373 d. 2.00 × _
760 _
× 573
760 573 300 373
a. I only d. II and III only _
300 _ 300 _
b. 2.00 × × 573 e. 2.00 × _ × 300
b. II only e. I, II, and III 760 373 760 100
c. I and II only c. 2.00 × _
760 _
× 373
300 573
2. When a sealed 1 L flask of gas is cooled, what happens
to the gas molecules? 7. Which of the following is described by the statement,
“The pressure of a fixed amount of gas is directly
a. They move farther apart.
proportional to its Kelvin temperature at constant
b. They collide more often with the walls of the flask.
volume”?
c. They increase their vibrational motion.
a. Charles’s law d. Avogadro’s law
d. They move more slowly.
b. Boyle’s law e. Gay-Lussac’s law
e. Their intermolecular forces decrease.
c. kinetic molecular theory
3. Select all the statements that are correct, according to
8. A given mass of a gas in a rigid container is heated
the kinetic molecular theory of gases.
from 100°C to 300°C. Which of the following
I. Molecules are closer together in gases than in liquids.
responses best describes what will happen to the
II. Molecules are in random motion. pressure of the gas?
III. Molecules lose energy when they collide with other.
a. decrease by a factor of three
IV. The average kinetic energy of molecules is
b. increase by a factor of three
proportional to the temperature.
c. decrease by a factor of about two thirds
V. Gas molecules move in straight lines between
d. increase by a factor of about four
collisions.
e. increase by a factor of about one and a half
a. I, II, and III only d. II, IV, and V only
Answer the questions below.
b. I, III, and V only e. I, II, III, IV, and V
c. II, III, and IV only 9. Copy and complete the following table.
4. Which of the following is described by the statement, Particles in States of Matter
“The pressure of a fixed amount of gas is inversely Property Solid Liquid Gas
proportional to its volume at constant temperature.”
Position of particles in
a. Charles’s law d. Montgolfier’s law relation to one another
b. Boyle’s law e. Gay-Lussac’s law Strength of attraction
c. kinetic molecular theory of gases between particles
5. Which of the lines on the graph below is the best Type of motion of
representation of the relationship between the volume of a particles
gas and its temperature, if other factors remain constant?
10. Explain why gases are easier to compress than liquids
B or solids.
A
Volume (L)

E C D 11. A homogeneous mixture is formed by water vapour,

H2O(g), and carbon tetrachloride, CCl4(g). Describe the
attractive forces that affect the molecules in each gas.
12. What is an elastic collision and how does it relate to the
0
Temperature (K) kinetic molecular theory of gases?

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 Chapter  11 REVIEW

Thinking and Investigation 21. A student performed an investigation involving one of

13. Complete the following pressure unit conversions. the gas laws and generated the graph below.
a. The reading on a compressed air tank is 80.0 psi. Pressure vs. Kelvin Temperature
What is the pressure in kilopascals?
4.0
b. Normal blood pressure is 120 mmHg over 3.5

Pressure (atm)
80 mmHg (pumping/resting). What are these 3.0
(300 K, 3.0 atm)
2.5
pressures in atmospheres? Report your answers to 2.0
two significant digits. 1.5
1.0 (150 K, 1.5 atm)
c. Average atmospheric pressure in a tornado is 0.5
800 millibars. What is the pressure in kilopascals? 0
0 100 200 300 400 500 600
d. The pressure underwater at 10.0 m is 2.00 atm.
Temperature (K)
What is the pressure in millimetres of mercury?
14. Liquid nitrogen has a temperature below -196°C. a. What gas law was being investigated? Explain.
When an inflated balloon is placed in the liquid b. Is the gas law verified by the data? Explain.
nitrogen, it rapidly shrinks. Explain the change 22. A flask that can withstand a maximum internal
according to the kinetic molecular theory of gases. pressure of 4.00 atm is filled with a gas at 20.0°C and
15. A 1.00 L sample of a gas is at standard pressure. If it 0.98 atm. At what temperature, in degrees Celsius, will
is compressed to 473 mL, what is the pressure in kPa, the flask explode? Assume the amount and volume of
assuming the temperature remains constant? air are constant.
16. Underwater divers must rise very slowly, or they Communication
experience “the bends.” A diver has 0.04 L of gas in her
23. Properties of gases can be described
blood under a pressure of 400.0 kPa and rises quickly
qualitatively and quantitatively and can be
to the surface, which is at 101.3 kPa. What is the
predicted. Research one of the gas laws that you
volume of gas in her blood? Assume the temperature
studied in this chapter and develop a presentation in
and amount of gas are constant.
the format of your choice that includes the following.
17. Describe the effect of increasing the temperature a. a discussion of the gas law using the kinetic
(in K) by a factor of four on the volume of a gas, molecular theory and visualizations of molecular
assuming that other variables are held constant. activity
18. Perform the following temperature conversions. b. the mathematical equation that expresses the law,
a. 25.0°C to K c. 277 K to °C with an example
b. -10.00°C to K d. 165 K to °C c. two practical applications of the gas law, with
19. A 3.0 L balloon is completely filled with air at 25.0°C. explanations of how the gas law is used
The balloon is taken outdoors. If the final volume of the d. some historical background information about the
balloon is 2.5 L, what is the temperature of air outdoors discovery or derivation of the gas law
in °C? Assume the pressure and amount of air are 24. The data below are volumes of hydrogen gas collected
constant. at several different temperatures. Assume the
20. A 7.50 × 102 mL empty water bottle is capped at 20°C amount and pressure of the gas are the same for all
and 101 kPa. The water bottle is then crushed, causing measurements.
the bottle lid to be projected across a room. Volume of Hydrogen Gas Collected
a. Describe the changes that occur inside the bottle
Trial Temperature (°C) Volume (mL)
as it is crushed.
b. What is the pressure inside the empty container 1 300.0 48
when the volume is reduced to 2.50 × 102 mL, 2 175.0 37
assuming the temperature and amount of air are 3 110.0
constant. 4 0.0 22
5 15
6 -150.0 11

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 a. Identify the gas law that is being studied. 28. Red blood cells carry the oxygen that is necessary
b. Based on the gas law identified in part (a), use the for animals to sustain life. Using your knowledge
appropriate mathematical equation for the law to of atmospheric pressure, infer why people living in
complete the missing values in the table. Calgary (altitude 1048 m) have significantly more red
c. Construct a graph of the data that demonstrates blood cells per volume of blood than people living in
the relationship between volume and temperature of Vancouver (altitude 0 m).
a gas, when the amount and pressure of the gas are 29. A mountain bike has a tire pressure range of 250.0 kPa
constant. to 380.0 kPa. The typical tire volume is 1.20 × 103 cm3
d. Using the graph you made in part (c), determine the at the higher pressure.
temperature at which the volume of the gas will reach a. Why would a range of pressures be given for the
a value of 0 mL. What is this temperature called? tire? Under what conditions would a person want to
25. People have a responsibility to protect the use a lower pressure in the tire?
integrity of Earth’s atmosphere. The b. Explain how the tire pressure is affected by the body
propellant in aerosol cans is pressurized gas. Many weight of an individual riding the bike.
aerosol cans have the warnings “Keep away from heat c. Calculate the volume of the tire at 250.0 kPa
sources” and “Do not incinerate” on their labels. assuming constant amount and temperature of
a. Explain what happens to aerosol cans once the the air in the tire. By what factor did the volume
pressure of the gas in the can reaches atmospheric change?
pressure. d. Would the pressure and the volume of the tire really
b. Explain the changes that would occur in the be independent of temperature? Explain.
pressure, temperature, and volume of the contents 30. A pressure cooker is a sealed cooking pot that does
of an aerosol can if it were absent-mindedly thrown not allow air or liquids to escape until a certain
into a fire to dispose of it. pressure is reached inside the pot. As heat is added to
c. Develop an illustrated web page (or a mockup of a the pressure cooker, the pressure inside it increases.
web page) that explains to the general public why it How does the increased pressure affect the temperature
is important to handle, store, and dispose of aerosol of the water vapour inside the pressure cooker?
cans properly.
31. Air quality can be affected by human
26. Summarize your learning in this chapter using activities and technology. Methane, CH4(g),
a graphic organizer. To help you, the Chapter 11 undergoes a combustion reaction to produce carbon
Summary lists the Key Terms and Key Concepts. Refer dioxide and water. In the atmosphere, methane is a
to Using Graphic Organizers in Appendix A to help greenhouse gas, helping to trap infrared radiation and
you decide which graphic organizer to use. warm Earth. Methane concentrations in the
atmosphere have increased significantly. The primary
Application
sources for the methane added to the atmosphere are
27. A hydrogen gas thermometer works based on changes due to human activities.
in volume of hydrogen gas in a sealed vessel. The
a. Describe the physical properties of methane, as an
hydrogen gas was found to have a volume of 200.0 cm3
illustrative example of a gas. What attractive forces
when placed in a water bath at 0.0°C.
at the molecular level influence its properties?
a. When the same thermometer was placed in boiling
b. Compare and contrast the motions of methane
liquid bromine, the volume of hydrogen at the same
particles at room temperature with water and
pressure is found to be 243.1 cm3. If there are no
sodium chloride particles at the same temperature.
changes in pressure and amount of gas, what is the
c. Describe how the volume of methane gas can be
boiling temperature of liquid bromine in degrees
affected by changes in temperature and pressure.
Celsius?
d. Vast quantities of methane are believed to be stored
b. The boiling temperature of liquid chlorine is known
in Earth’s crust. Large quantities are trapped in
to be -34.4°C. If the hydrogen thermometer was
methane clathrates. What are methane clathrates,
used to determine this temperature, to what volume
and how do rising global temperatures affect them?
would the hydrogen gas in the thermometer be
reduced?

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 Chapter 11 SELFASSESSMENT

Select the letter of the best answer below. a. a gas expanding as temperature increases and
1. K/U Which of the following statements best explains pressure remains constant
why gases can be easily compressed? b. a gas expanding as temperature and pressure remain
a. Molecules of a gas exhibit random translational constant
motion. c. a gas contracting as temperature increases and
b. Molecules of a gas have negligible intermolecular pressure remains constant
forces. d. a gas expanding as pressure remains constant
c. Molecules of a gas have small amounts of space e. a gas expanding as temperature and pressure change
between them. 6. T/I A sample of gas is in a sealed flexible container
d. Molecules of a gas are in constant motion. at a fixed temperature. If the pressure on the container
e. Molecules of a gas have little volume. is reduced by half, the volume will
2. K/U Which of the following best describes a gas? a. increase by a factor of 2
a. It assumes the volume and shape of the container, b. increase by a factor of 4
and it has weak intermolecular attractions. c. increase by a factor of 1
b. It assumes the volume and shape of the container, d. decrease by a factor of 2
and it has strong intermolecular attractions. e. decrease by a factor of 4
c. It has a distinct shape and volume, and it has strong 7. K/U A sample of nitrogen gas is placed in a sealed
intermolecular attractions. 2 L flexible container. Which of the following will
d. It has a distinct volume and assumes the shape of occur if the temperature of the gas is increased?
the container, and it has moderate intermolecular I. The pressure of the gas will increase.
attractions.
II. The volume of the gas will decrease.
e. It has a distinct volume and assumes the shape of
III. The speed of the gas molecules will increase.
the container, but it lacks intermolecular attractions.
a. I and II d. II only
3. K/U Which of the following assumptions are made
b. I and III e. I, II, and III
by the kinetic molecular theory of gases?
c. I only
I. Gas molecules move randomly in all directions.
II. Gas molecules exhibit negligible intermolecular 8. T/I What temperature on the Kelvin scale

forces. corresponds to -35°C?

III. Gas molecules have negligible volume. a. 238 d. 333
b. 293 e. 35
a. I and II only d. II only
c. 308
b. I and III only e. I, II, and III
c. I only 9. K/U Identify the choice that best describes this
statement: “The volume of a fixed amount of gas is
4. K/U Which of the following represents the greatest
directly proportional to its temperature at a constant
pressure?
pressure.”
a. 2.5 atm d. 21 psi
a. Boyle’s law
b. 200 kPa e. 790 torr
b. Charles’s law
c. 960 mmHg
c. Gay-Lussac’s law
5. K/U Which description best describes the situation d. kinetic molecular theory of gases
shown in the diagram below? e. Avogadro’s law
A B 1 kg
10. T/I A sample of argon gas is stored in a container
1 kg
with a fixed volume at 1.00 atm of pressure. The
temperature, in K, of the gas is doubled. What is the
new pressure of the gas assuming the amount of gas is
5°C 80°C constant?
a. 0.5 atm d. 3.00 atm
b. 1.00 atm e. 4.00 atm
c. 2.00 atm

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 Use sentences and diagrams, as appropriate, to answer the Pressure and Volume Measurements of a Gas
questions below.
Pressure (kPa) Volume (ml)
11. C Construct a graphic organizer to compare the 100 2.5 × 102
properties of gases with those of liquids. Include major 75 3.3 × 102
similarities and differences. 50 5.0 × 102
12. A Each of the following observations relate to 25 1.0 × 103
properties of a gas. Name the property observed, and 15 x
explain the observation. a. Calculate the missing value for volume, indicated
a. Gaseous oxygen and carbon dioxide are placed in as x in the table.
a sealed flask. After several minutes, the gases are b. Use the data to construct a graph that shows the
evenly distributed through the flask. relationship between pressure and volume of a gas.
b. Air bubbled through water in a fish tank rises to the Explain how it demonstrates Boyle’s law.
surface and is released above the water. 18. T/I A sample of neon has a volume of 239 mL at
13. K/U In your own words, describe the kinetic 202.7 kPa of pressure. What is the pressure when the
molecular theory of gases and its assumptions. volume is 500 mL? Assume the amount and
14. A When food is being preserved by canning, a jar temperature of the gas are constant.
is filled with very hot food, leaving a space at the top of 19. T/I What is absolute zero? Describe a series of
the jar. A rubber seal is placed on top of the jar, and the experiments that could be performed that would
lid is screwed shut. After several minutes, a ‘pop” is permit you to be able to determine its value.
heard, and the metal lid is observed to be dented 20. C Use a graphic organizer to compare and contrast
inward. Explain these observations using the kinetic the Kelvin and Celsius scales.
molecular theory and the properties of gases.
21. T/I A sample of gas is heated from 273 K to 290 K.
15. K/U Torricelli and Pascal performed many important If its original volume was 2.0 × 102 mL, what is the
studies of atmospheric pressure. volume after being heated? Assume amount and
a. What is meant by the terms atmospheric pressure pressure of the gas are constant.
and standard atmospheric pressure? 22. T/I A ball filled with air has a volume of 3.4 L at
b. Explain what the term “millimetres of mercury” 25°C. What is its volume at 3.0°C, assuming constant
refers to and how it relates to the discovery of amount and pressure of air?
atmospheric pressure.
23. A Xenon gas is placed in a light bulb at 300 atm
16. T/I Determine the following conversions. and 20°C. When the bulb is in use, the bulb
a. 551 kPa to psi temperature rises to 85°C. What does the pressure in
b. 6.0 psi to mmHg kPa become when the bulb is in use, assuming the
c. 0.52 atm to kPa amount and volume of gas are constant?
d. 902 mbar to mmHg and kPa 24. T/I Air in a ball has a pressure of 11.0 psi and a
17. C An investigation to verify Boyle’s law was temperature of 25.0°C. The temperature of the air rises
conducted. The data for the investigation are shown in to 45.0°C. Calculate the new pressure of the air,
the table at the top of the next column. assuming a constant amount and volume of air.
25. A Describe one common occurrence or
technology that illustrates each of the gas laws that you
learned about in this chapter.
Self-Check
If you 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25
missed
question …
Review 11.1 11.1 11.1 11.2 11.2 11.2 11.2, 11.3 11.3 11.3 11.1 11.1 11.1 11.1, 11.2 11.2 11.2 11.2 11.2 11.3 11.3 11.3 11.3 11.3 11.2,
section(s)… 11.3 11.2 11.3

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