If a gas changes from P1 = 2 atm and V1 = 6 L to P2 = 3 atm and V2 = 4 L, what happens to the temperature?

If a gas changes from P1 = 2 atm and V1 = 6 L to P2 = 3 atm and V2 = 4 L, what happens to the temperature?

• A. Remains the same
• B. Increases
• C. Decreases
• D. Cannot be determined

Answer: (A)

When a fixed amount of gas changes state, its temperature is tied to the product of pressure and volume through the relation PV = nRT. If the amount of gas doesn’t change, temperature is proportional to PV (T ∝ PV). Here, the initial product is 2 atm × 6 L = 12 atm·L, and the final product is 3 atm × 4 L = 12 atm·L. Since the PV product remains the same, the temperature must stay the same (assuming ideal gas behavior and measurements in Kelvin).

When a fixed amount of gas changes state, its temperature is tied to the product of pressure and volume through the relation PV = nRT. If the amount of gas doesn’t change, temperature is proportional to PV (T ∝ PV). Here, the initial product is 2 atm × 6 L = 12 atm·L, and the final product is 3 atm × 4 L = 12 atm·L. Since the PV product remains the same, the temperature must stay the same (assuming ideal gas behavior and measurements in Kelvin).