2.25. Boyle’s Law http://www.ck12.org
where pressure is lowest. Whenever you see a graph with this shape, it usually represents variables that have an
inverse relationship, like gas volume and pressure.
FIGURE 2.49
Summary
- Boyle’s law states that if the temperature of a gas is held constant, then decreasing the volume of the gas
increases its pressure. - When gas molecules bump into things, it creates pressure. Pressure is greater when gas molecules occupy a
smaller space, because greater crowding results in more collisions. This explains why decreasing the volume
of a gas increases its pressure.
Vocabulary
- Boyle’s law: Gas law stating that, if the temperature of a gas is held constant, increasing the volume of the
gas decreases its pressure.
Explore More
You can see for yourself that Boyle’s law really works. At the following URL, simulate measuring the volume and
pressure of two different gases. Use the graphing tool to make graphs of your data. Then answer the questions at the
end of the activity to see how well you understand Boyle’s law.
http://www.calzim.com/online/online4/class_material/unit2/boyles_law.htm