The Calculation of Initial Volume of Argon Gas Sample

The pressure of a sample of argon gas was increased from 3.50 ATM to 8.34 ATM at constant temperature if the final volume of the argon sample was 18.3 L what was the initial volume of the argon sample assume ideal behavior.

Answer:

43.61 L

Explanation:

• According to Boyle's law, the volume of a fixed mass of a gas and the pressure are inversely proportional at a constant absolute temperature.
• Mathematically, P ∝ 1/V

P = k/V

• At varying volume and pressure

k = P1V1 = P2V2

In this case we are given;

Initial pressure, P1 = 3.50 atm

Final pressure, P2 = 8.34 atm

Final volume, V2 = 18.3 L

We are required to calculate the initial volume, V1,

Rearranging the formula;

V1 = P2V2 / P1

Therefore;

Initial volume = (8.34 atm)(18.3 L) / 3.50 atm

= 43.606

Initial volume = 43.61 L