Question

A weather balloon has a volume of 200.0 L at a pressure of 760 mm Hg. As it rises, the pressure decreases to 282 mm Hg.

a. Will the volume of the balloon increase or decrease? Why?

b. What is the new volume of the balloon? (Assume constant temperature)

Answer 1

a. Increase

b. 539 L

Step-by-step explanation:

Step 1: Given data

• Initial volume (V₁): 200.0 L

• Initial pressure (P₁): 760 mmHg

• Final volume (V₂): ?

• Final pressure (P₂): 282 mmHg

Step 2: Calculate the final volume of the gas

The pressure of the gas is inversely proportional to the volume. So, as the pressure decreases, the volume must increase. Assuming constant temperature and ideal behavior, we can calculate the final volume of the gas using Boyle's law.

P₁ × V₁ = P₂ × V₂

V₂ = P₁ × V₁/P₂

V₂ = 760 mmHg × 200.0 L/282 mmHg = 539 L