Boyle's Law

  • Variables describing gas: Pressure (P), Volume (V), Temperature (T), number of moles (n).

  • Boyle's Law: Discovered by Robert Boyle in the 17th century.

    • States that the pressure of a gas is inversely proportional to its volume.

    • Applies when temperature (T) and quantity of gas (n) are held constant.

  • Mathematical expressions:

    • P∝1VP \propto \frac{1}{V}

    • PV=constantPV = \text{constant} (at constant T and n)

    • P<em>1V</em>1=P<em>2V</em>2P<em>1V</em>1 = P<em>2V</em>2 (at constant T and n)

  • Implication: If volume doubles, pressure halves; if volume halves, pressure doubles.