Question

The volume of a gas in a container varies inversely with the pressure on the gas. A container of helium has a volume of 370in3 under a pressure of 15psi (pounds per square inch). Write the equation that relates the volume, V, to the pressure, P. What would be the volume of this gas if the pressure was increased to 25psi?

Answer 1

Answer:

Step-by-step explanation:

When two variables vary inversely, it means that an increase in one would lead to a decrease in the other and vice versa. Since the volume of a gas, V in a container varies inversely with the pressure on the gas, P, if we introduce a constant of proportionality, k, the expression would be

V = k/P

If V = 370 in³ and P = 15psi, then

370 = k/15

k = 370 × 15 = 5550

The equation that relates the volume, V, to the pressure, P would be

V = 5550/P

if the pressure was increased to 25psi, the volume would be

V = 5550/25 = 222 in³