Answer:
The initial temperature was 58.4°C
Explanation:
Given the following data:
initial volume = V₁ = 380 mL = 0.38 L
final volume = V₂ = 250 mL = 0.25 L
final temperature = T₂ = -55°C = 218 K
According to Charles's law, the volume of a gas is <em>directly proportional to the temperature</em> (in Kelvin). The mathematical expression is:
V₁/T₁= V₂/T₂
So, we calculate the initial temperature (V₁) as follows:
T₁ = T₂/V₂ x V₁ = 218 K/(0.25 L) x 0.38 L = 331.36 K ≅ 331.4 K
Finally, we convert the initial temperature from K to °C:
T₁= 331.4 K - 273 = 58.4°C
