Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: Charles' law
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
In introductory thermodynamics and physical chemistry, several “gas laws” describe how an ideal gas behaves when one state variable is held constant. This question targets the scenario of heating at constant pressure (an isobaric process), asking which named relationship correctly governs the volume–temperature change.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
For a fixed amount of an ideal gas at constant pressure, the volume is directly proportional to absolute temperature: V ∝ T. This proportionality is historically called Charles' law. By contrast, Boyle's law refers to isothermal changes (p * V = constant), Gay-Lussac's law often denotes the p–T relation at constant volume, and Avogadro's law relates volume to moles at fixed p and T.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Start with p * V = n * R * T.At constant p and fixed n, rearrange to V = (n * R / p) * T.Hence V / T = constant, which is exactly Charles' law.Therefore, the governing law for isobaric heating is Charles' law.
Verification / Alternative check:
Graphing V versus T (in kelvin) at constant pressure gives a straight line through the origin. Laboratory piston–cylinder demonstrations show that as the gas is heated at fixed external pressure, the piston rises proportionally with T, consistent with Charles' law.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Common Pitfalls:
Using Celsius instead of kelvin breaks the direct proportionality V ∝ T. Always work with absolute temperature for gas laws.
Final Answer:
Charles' law
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