A balloon contains 0.50 mol of an ideal gas at a pressure of 1.2 atm and a temperature of 27°C. The gas is compressed isothermally until its volume is halved. What is the new pressure in atm?
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Correct answer
B. 2.4
Principle or equation
For an isothermal process, Boyle's law applies: P1V1 = P2V2. If volume is halved, pressure doubles.
Why this answer is correct
Initial pressure P1 = 1.2 atm. Volume is halved, so V2 = V1/2. Using P1V1 = P2V2, we get P2 = P1(V1/V2) = 1.2 atm × 2 = 2.4 atm. Temperature and amount are constant, so the ideal gas law reduces to Boyle's law.
Example
If P1 = 1.2 atm and V2 = 0.5 V1, then P2 = 2.4 atm.
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