Which gas law states that pressure varies inversely with volume at a constant temperature?

Study for the ALEKS Placement Chemistry Exam. Review flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Get ready for your chemistry exam!

The law that states pressure varies inversely with volume at a constant temperature is known as Boyle's Law. This relationship can be represented mathematically as P × V = k, where P is the pressure, V is the volume, and k is a constant for a given amount of gas at a constant temperature.

As one variable increases, the other must decrease to keep the product constant. For example, if the volume of a gas is reduced, the gas molecules are forced closer together, leading to an increase in collisions with the walls of the container, which results in increased pressure. Conversely, if the volume of the gas increases, the pressure decreases because the molecules have more space to move around and collide less frequently with the walls.

Boyle's Law specifically applies when the temperature of the gas remains constant, making it directly relevant to situations involving gases in closed systems where temperature changes are negligible. Understanding this inverse relationship is crucial in various applications, such as calculating the behavior of gases under changing pressure and volume conditions.

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