The pressure of a sample of gas is dependent upon the volume of the gas. Increasing the volume will decrease the pressure. The two quantities are inversely proportional to one another. The product of Pressure*Volume remains constant. As such, a tripling of the volume will reduce the pressure of the gas to one-third of its original value.
 

There are two questions in this Question Group. Each question is very similar to one another. The question below is one of the questions.
 

Version 1:

Observe the data table shown at the right for a sample of gas that has a constant temperature and number of particles.  Use the data table predict the pressure of the gas when it’s volume is 36.0 L.
 
Pressure at 36.0 L: ___________
 
 
 


 


 

In this question, you need to analyze a set of data to determine the pressure when the volume is 36.0 L. One way to do that is to use proportional reasoning. We'll explain that in a moment. But first, take some time to study (and/or scan) the graphic in order to gain familiarity with the pressure-volume relationship. Then continue to the text that continues below the graphic.
 


 

Reasoning Proportionally with Pressure and Volume

The volume of 36.0 L is three times the volume of 12.0 L. And since a tripling of the volume leads to one-third the pressure, we should be able to use this one-third factor to find the answer. Trial 2 of the table has a volume of 12.0 L. So the pressure at 36.0 L will be one-third the pressure listed in Trial 2. So your answer can quickly be found by one-thirding (dividing by 3.0) the Trial 2 pressure value.
 


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