Boyle's Law

${\mathit{P}}_{\mathbf{1}}{\mathit{V}}_{\mathbf{1}}\mathbf{ }\mathbf{=}\mathbf{ }{\mathit{P}}_{\mathbf{2}}{\mathit{V}}_{\mathbf{2}}$

How is Boyle's law expressed mathematically?

Quick Lab

Observing the Effect of Temperature on Gas Pressure

Materials

pan, metric ruler, empty beverage can, masking tape, hot plate, clock, tongs

Procedure

1. Fill a pan with cold water to a depth of 3 cm.

2. Use masking tape to cover half the opening of the can. CAUTION Do not cover the entire opening with tape.

3. Place the can on the hot plate and turn the hot plate to a high setting. Heat the can for 5 minutes and then turn off the hot plate.

4. Use tongs to remove the can from the hot plate and place it upside down in the pan of water as shown. The opening should be below the surface of the water. Observe the can as it cools.

Analyze and Conclude

1. Inferring How did the temperature of the air inside the can change when you heated the can? How did it change when you put the can in the water?

2. Drawing Conclusions What happened to the pressure of the air inside the can when you put the can in the cold water?

3. Inferring Did the air pressure outside the can change during the experiment?

4. Formulating Hypotheses What caused the change you observed in Step 4?