OHST Practice Exam

Which law states that pressure times volume equals a constant number?

1. Charles Law

2. Watts' Law

3. Newton's Law

4. Boyle's Law

The correct answer is: Boyle's Law

Boyle's Law states that for a given mass of an ideal gas at a constant temperature, the pressure of the gas multiplied by its volume equals a constant. In mathematical terms, it can be expressed as PV = k, where P represents pressure, V represents volume, and k is a constant for that particular gas under those conditions. This law highlights the inverse relationship between pressure and volume: as the volume of the gas decreases, the pressure increases, provided the temperature remains constant, and vice versa. It is a fundamental principle in thermodynamics that applies to ideal gases and has implications in various fields, including physics and engineering. Other laws mentioned focus on different properties or relationships. For example, Charles' Law describes how gas volume is directly proportional to its temperature when pressure is held constant, Watts' Law relates to electrical power, and Newton's Law encompasses various physical laws related to motion and force, none of which directly address the relationship between pressure and volume in gases.