Q. 8.12 - An Introduction to General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry

Question

A balloon is filled with helium gas. When each of the following
changes are made at constant temperature, which of the follow-
ing diagrams  (A, B, or C)  shows the final volume of the
balloon.

a. The balloon floats to a higher altitude where the outside pressure is lower.
b. The balloon is taken inside the house, but the atmospheric pressure does not change.
c. The balloon is put in a hyperbaric chamber in which the pressure is increased.

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

Part(a) Figure C shows the final volume.

Part(b) Figure B shows the final volume

Part(c) Figure A shows the final volume

Part (a) Step 1 : Given information

We are given a balloon filled with helium gas. The balloon floats to a higher altitude where the outside pressure is lower.

Part(a) Step 2 : Simplify

As we know, $PV=nRT$ where,

P : pressure

V : volume

n : number of moles

R : constant

T : temperature

According to question PV is constant therefore if balloon floats to a higher altitude where the outside pressure is lower than Volume will increase as a result of Boyle's Law. Therefore Figure C represents the final volume.

Part (b) Step 1 : Given information

We are given a balloon filled with helium gas. The balloon is taken inside the house, but the atmospheric pressure does not change.

Part(b) Step 2 : Simplify

As we know, $PV=nRT$ where,

P : pressure

V : volume

n : number of moles

R : constant

T : temperature

According to question PV is constant therefore if balloon is taken inside the house, but the atmospheric pressure does not change.  than Volume will not change as a result of Boyle's Law. Therefore Figure B represents the final volume.

Part (c) Step 1 : Given information

We are given a balloon filled with helium gas. The balloon is put in a hyperbaric chamber in which the pressure is increased.

Part(c) Step 2 : Simplify

 

As we know, $PV=nRT$ where,

P : pressure

V : volume

n : number of moles

R : constant

T : temperature

According to question PV is constant therefore if balloon is put in a hyperbaric chamber in which the pressure is increased .  than Volume will decrease as a result of Boyle's Law. Therefore Figure A represents the final volume.