Question #25589

Boyle's law developed by Robert Boyle in 1662, states that if we keep the temperature of a gas constant in a sealed container. Its pressure (P) varies inversely with its volume (V). In other words at any given temperature. If we pressurize a gas its volume will be reduced proportionately to the pressure change. If we increase the volume of a gas its pressure will increase.

I am not sure what you mean by the steps, but I can help you identify a Boyle's Law problem, and tell you how to solve it.

Boyle's Law is that Pressure, P is inversely related to volume, V at constant temperature and number of moles. The mathematical relationship is
#P = k*1/V#
which rearranges to

#P*V=k#,

where #k# is a constant.

Since #PV=k#, you get #P_1V_1=P_2V_2#.

You can tell a problem will be a Boyle's law problem, if there is a change in pressure or volume and it asks you about the other.

For example, you could be asked the following:
If a gas at atmospheric pressure, has its container expand to three times its volume, what is the new pressure.

Solution
#P_1 = 760 mmHg#
#V_1 = V_1#

#P_2 = ?#
#V_2 = 3V_1# because the new volume is 3 times bigger.

#P_1V_1 = P_2V_2# Boyle's Law

#P_2 = (P_1V_1)/V_2# Divide both sides by #V_2#

#P_2 = ((760 mmHg)V_1)/(3V_1)# Substitute givens.

#P_2 = (760mmHg)/3 = 253.3 mmHg#