Charles’ law application at constant pressure:\nA gas has volume 283 cm³ at 10°C. Heated to 20°C at the same pressure, what is its new volume (in cm³)?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: 293

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This is a direct application of Charles’ law, which states that for a fixed amount of ideal gas at constant pressure, volume is proportional to absolute temperature. Conversions must always be done in Kelvin to avoid errors.



Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Initial volume V1 = 283 cm³.
  • Initial temperature T1 = 10°C = 283 K.
  • Final temperature T2 = 20°C = 293 K.
  • Pressure is constant; gas amount unchanged; ideal gas assumption.


Concept / Approach:
Charles’ law: V ∝ T at constant pressure and moles. Therefore V2 = V1 * (T2 / T1), with T in Kelvin. Celsius values cannot be used directly because the proportionality holds only relative to absolute zero.



Step-by-Step Solution:

Convert temperatures: 10°C → 283 K; 20°C → 293 K.Apply Charles’ law: V2 = 283 cm³ * (293 / 283).Compute: V2 ≈ 293 cm³ (since the ratio is ≈ 1.0353).


Verification / Alternative check:
The 10 K rise near room temperature is roughly a 10/283 ≈ 3.5% increase in volume. 3.5% of 283 cm³ is ~9.9 cm³; 283 + 9.9 ≈ 292.9 cm³, agreeing with 293 cm³.



Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • 283: Ignores temperature change.
  • 566: Incorrectly doubles the volume (confuses proportionality).
  • 141.5: Implies halving volume; not applicable here.
  • 301: Overestimates the proportional increase.


Common Pitfalls:
Using Celsius instead of Kelvin; assuming linear changes from Celsius degrees; rounding too early.



Final Answer:
293

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