Q. 8.10 - An Introduction to General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry

Question

Why does a sealed bag of chips expand when you take it to a higher altitude?

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

Due to Boyle's law a sealed bag of chips expand when you take it to a higher altitude

Step 1 : Given information

We are to find why does a sealed bag of chips expand when you take it to a higher altitude.

Step 2 : Simplify

Because atmospheric pressure drops with height, when a sealed bag of chips is transported to a higher altitude, the pressure of the gases inside the bag exceeds the outer atmospheric pressure, putting pressure on the chips bag's side covering, causing it to expand.