Lab 13 Gas Laws
Lab 13 Gas Laws
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1.0 Introduction
In this experiment you will measure the pressure and volume or the pressure and temperature of
a fixed amount of gas.
Boyle’s Law states the relationship between the volume and pressure of a fixed amount of a
confined gas at constant temperature.
For a fixed quantity of gas at constant temperature, pressure is inversely proportional to volume.
We can express this mathematically as:
1
𝑃𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑒 ∝ 𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒
Or:
P1V1 = k1 P2V2 = k1 ∴ P1V1 = P2V2
Guy-Lussac’s Law states the relationship between pressure and temperature of a fixed amount of
a confined gas at constant volume.
This law allows us to calculate what happens to the gas pressure inside a compressed gas
container when it is thrown into a fire. Keep in mind that when we calculate values using this law
the absolute temperature scale - Kelvin, K, is always used.
The relationship states that for a fixed quantity of gas at constant volume, the pressure is directly
proportional to the temperature. We can express this as:
𝑃𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑒 ∝ 𝑇𝑒𝑚𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑒
Or:
𝑃𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑒 𝑃𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑒
P1 = k 1 T1 P 2 = k 1 T2 ∴ 𝑇𝑒𝑚𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑒
1
= 𝑇𝑒𝑚𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑒
2
1 2
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2.0 Procedure
2.1 Boyle’s Law
When the experiment is conducted a gas syringe should be attached to the pressure sensor of the
MeasureNet unit. When working with the syringe make sure to go “lightly” and not force yourself.
Also, you need the barometric pressure of the lab. If the pressure is given in inches of Mercury
(inHg), typically done in the USA, then the value must be converted to Torr (HINT: Use mmHg ).
You can use the national weather service to look this value up.
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Connect the Pressure Transducer to the MeasureNet box on your table - but do not connect the
syringe to it yet.
( During the setup the estimated volume of the pressure sensor tubing is 2.0 mL - this will be
referred to as the “Void Volume”. “Void Volume is a term often used in the sciences to describe the
empty space of the instrumentation itself, for accounting purposes. )
IMPORTANT NOTE: The pressure sensor reads “gauge” pressure so a “0” reading is actually the
lab’s atmosphere.
Careful connect your syringe ( set at 5 mL ) to the other end of the Pressure Transducer.
Whilst monitoring the MeasureNet readout - slowly press in/out on your srytinge and see how the
pressure changes.
You will notice as the volume is decreased the pressure increases; and, as the volume is increased
the pressure seems to go negative:
RECALL. “Gauge pressure” is not the true pressure, the true (or actual) pressure is the value
given PLUS atmospheric pressure:
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𝑃𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑒 𝑇𝑅𝑈𝐸
= 𝑃𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑒 𝑅𝑜𝑜𝑚
+ 𝑃𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑒 𝐺𝑢𝑎𝑔𝑒 𝑅𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔
Begin making a set of measurements and record the values. You can either use the provided
spreadsheet, or the report sheet.
Follow the directions on the MeasureNet station to enter each data pair for a total of 15 data points.
Take readings both below and above the 5 mL starting mark on your syringe.
The syringe “fights back” so, you must hold it steady; however, remember not to force the
pressure beyond its limits! Also, do not wrap your hand in such a way to heat the gas inside the
syringe since this is a constant temperature experiment. Once you have a total of 15 measurement
data points you can stop.
Make sure to record any 4 of the data points into the table on the data sheet as the points are being
measured and saved.
When you are finished you will have recorded 15 data points.
REMEMBER: WHEN TAKING DATA POINTS NEVER FORCE THE PRESSURE ABOVE
760 Torr or Less THAN -760 Torr ( +/- 1 Atmosphere Reading ).
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If you are using the spreadsheet, please ignore the following section regarding printing from the
MeasureNet devices. The spreadsheet will auto generate your graphs for you.
Once you have taken a full set of at least 15 data points you can print your results to the printer.
This will be a custom printout with 4 graphs so you will use a “print code” to control the graph
type.
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Now we are going to setup another type of constant volume “syringe”. This is a syringe with a
rubber stopper instead of a plunger.
We will setup the syringe in a large beaker (600 or 1000 mL) water bath. Fill your large beaker ½
to ¾ the way with tap water.
A clamp will hold the pressure sensor above the beaker and can hold the syringe under the water,
pictured below:
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The beaker will be on a stirring hot plate so the temperature can be changed. BOTH the pressure
sensor and a temperature probe will be connected to the MeasureNet station.
Position the syringe so a stir bar can be used to circulate the water bath and insert the
temperature probe behind the syringe through the clamp.
Keep all cables well away from the hot plate; however, we are not going to let the hot plate get
really hot.
If you use the spreadsheet to procure your data, then you can skip the following portion about
MeasureNet setup.
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Once the syringe is connected to the pressure sensor it is closed off from the atmosphere.
Begin stirring the water bath and SLOWLY begin to turn on the hot plate.
The initial temperature should be near 20 oC ( and will depend on the starting water temperature,
what it comes out of the faucet as.)
You may need to turn the heater on and off occasionally, we are trying to have the temperature
slowly rise and ending between 35 – 40 oC (close to body temperature). Ideally we would like a
temperature rise be about 2 degrees per minute.
As you watch the temperature readings on the station slowly rise along with the temperature –
quickly sample points along the way. Again, there are two methods of “taking” your data: either
recording in a spreadsheet or via the MeasureNet system.
If you are using the MeasureNet system to monitor and record your data, then you will need to
press the START/STOP key to save each temperature-pressure point. At the end of this procedure
you should have 20 to 30 data points collected between the temperatures.
Or you can read off and record your values into a spreadsheet.
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Clean off the water spills if any around your work area and return various items to their
appropriate storage areas before leaving for the day.
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4.0 Calculations
Use the data points you recorded on your data sheet table to calculate values expected from
Boyle’s Law.
Assume the first values are P1 and V1 and then when the volume is changed to the second value
(V2) calculate what the value of P2 should be according to the Boyle’s equation. Continue with
these types of calculations.
What was the % error in your measured P 2 value? Repeat this calculation for the remaining values.
Then calculate the % error for each assuming that the calculated value would be the theoretical
value and the value you measured is the experimental.
Notice that all the P values should first be corrected from “gauge pressure” to absolute pressure by
using the atmospheric pressure read from the barometer.
Which of the graphs gives a straight line? What does this relationship mean?
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Use the equation printed on the graph to find what the value of T would be if P was equal to 0.
What should the value of T be. Calculate the % error for the value you measured.
Answer the last question about the aerosol can that is heated.
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Atmospheric pressure :
You can either enter your data via a spreadsheet, or manually. Select the method most
appropriate for your class.
If you wish to use a spreadsheet, then make a copy of the following spreadsheet for your group:
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You may also enter data manually if you prefer - if so, the following tables will assist you:
Using Boyle’s Law calculate based on P1 (corrected) and V1 what P2, P3 and P4 would be expected to
be.
Use the calculated values as “theoretical” and the observed as “experimental” to calculate the %
errors for each.
P3 calc =
P4 calc =
Attach graph printouts for the four Boyle’s Law plots and indicate which one gives the correct
variable relationship for Boyle’s Law.
1
Don’t forget to include the void volume of the appartus
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Attach your graph printout for P vs T plot. What is the significance of this plot?
Use the graph or line equation to find the value of T when the pressure is 0. What should this
value be? Charles and Guy-Lussac found this temperature in their investigations of gas behavior.
Calculate your %error from the now known value for absolute 0.
Question:
If an aerosol can has a pressure of 5 atm at room temperature 20oC what would be the pressure in
the can if a fire raised the temperature to 2000 oC?
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