Definition:The principle that at a constant temperature the volume of a confined ideal gas varies inversely with its pressure.

Explanation/notes

1. The Volulme of a fixed mass of gas varies inversley with the pressure at constant temperature.

2. If the volume goes up, the pressure goes down. If the volume goes down, then the pressure goes up.

FORMULA: P1 x V1=P2 x V2

Units

Pressure: Pascal = Pa
millimeter of mercury = mmHg
atmosphere = atm
Torr = torr

Volume: Liters = L

Everyday example: when you squeeze a balloon, you notice that the harder you push, the harder the balloon seems to be pushing back.

Sample Problem: Submarines need to be extremely strong to withstand the extremely high pressure of water pushing down on them. An experimental research submarine with a colume of 15,00 Liters has an internal pressure of 1.2 atm. If the pressure of the ocean breaks the submarine forming a bubble with a pressure of 250 atm pushing on it, how big will that bubble be (volume)?

White Board Video

When pressure goes up volume goes down and visa versa. This diagram shows this in action.



Simple Equations