Which equation expresses Charles's law for a gas at constant pressure?

Study for the Cambridge Science – States of Matter Test. Prepare with flashcards and multiple choice questions, with hints and explanations for each question. Ready yourself for your exam!

Multiple Choice

Which equation expresses Charles's law for a gas at constant pressure?

Explanation:
Charles's law shows that when pressure is kept constant, the volume of a gas changes in direct proportion to its absolute temperature. In other words, V is proportional to T when P and the amount of gas are fixed, so the relationship can be written as V1/T1 = V2/T2. Since temperature must be in Kelvin to keep the proportionality linear, remember to convert from Celsius to Kelvin when applying this formula. This ties back to the idea that, at constant pressure, heating a gas makes it push outward more, increasing volume exactly in step with temperature. The other expressions mix pressure with volume (a Boyle’s law scenario), relate different pairs of variables, or use the general ideal gas law without isolating the V–T relationship at constant pressure.

Charles's law shows that when pressure is kept constant, the volume of a gas changes in direct proportion to its absolute temperature. In other words, V is proportional to T when P and the amount of gas are fixed, so the relationship can be written as V1/T1 = V2/T2. Since temperature must be in Kelvin to keep the proportionality linear, remember to convert from Celsius to Kelvin when applying this formula. This ties back to the idea that, at constant pressure, heating a gas makes it push outward more, increasing volume exactly in step with temperature. The other expressions mix pressure with volume (a Boyle’s law scenario), relate different pairs of variables, or use the general ideal gas law without isolating the V–T relationship at constant pressure.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Passetra

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy