Question

In the combined gas law, if the volume is decreased, what happens to the temperature if pressure remains constant?

a. The temperature decreases.
b. The temperature increases.
c. The temperature remains the same.

Answer 1

The correct answer is A. In the combined gas law, if the volume is decreased and the pressure is constant, then the temperature decreases.

P1V1/ T1 = P2V2 / T2

Assume the volume decrease by half; V2 = V1/2

P1V1/ T1 = P2V1 /2 T2

Cancelling terms,

1/T1 = 1/2 T2

T2 = T1/2

Thus, the temperature decreased.