A sample of gas has a volume of 571 mL at a pressure of 4.04 atm. The gas is compressed and now has a pressure of 7.17 atm. Predict whether the new volume is greater or less than the initial volume, and calculate the new volume. Assume temperature is constant and no gas escaped from the container.

The new volume is less than the initial volume.

The new volume is 322mL

Explanation:

Based on Boyle's law, the pressure of a gas is inversely proportional to its volume under constant temperature. That means if the pressure of a gas is increased, the volume decrease and vice versa. The formula is:

P₁V₁ = P₂V₂

Where P is pressure and V is volume of 1, initial state and 2, final states.

In the problem, the pressure of the gas increased from 4.04atm to 7.17atm, That means the new volume is less  than initial volume because the gas is compressed occupying less volume.

Replacing in Boyle's equation:

4.04atm*571mL = 7.17atmV₂

Beeing the new volume of the compressed gas 322mL