What is Boyle's Law?

Boyle’s Law is a fundamental principle in the study of gases that describes how pressure and volume are related when temperature remains constant.

In simple terms, as the volume of a gas decreases, its pressure increases, and as the volume increases, the pressure decreases.

\({P_1}\) \({V_1}\) = \({P_2}\) \({V_2}\)

Where:

  • \({V_1}\) and \({V_2}\) represent the initial and final volumes of the gas.
  • \({P_1}\) and \({P_2}\) are the initial and final pressures.

Remember

Two key details to keep in mind when it comes to Boyle's Law.

  • Inverse Proportionality: As the volume of a gas decreases, its pressure increases, and as the volume increases, the pressure decreases.

  • Boyle’s Law only applies when the gas temperature remains constant.

Why Boyle’s Law Matters in Science

Boyle’s Law is fundamental for anyone studying gas behavior, especially in fields like thermodynamics, physics, and chemistry. Boyle's Law also represents an underlying relationship that holds true for the Ideal Gas Law.
These principles come into play when analyzing how gases behave in closed containers in the lab, but also when observing pressure changes in daily life.
People floating in a hot air balloon over Paris

Boyle's Law in Real Life

  • Syringes

    When you pull on the plunger of a syringe, increasing the volume inside, the pressure drops, allowing air or liquid to flow in. When you push the plunger, the pressure increases, forcing the contents out.

  • Inflating Balloons

    As you blow air into a balloon, you increase its volume, which decreases the pressure inside the balloon relative to the surrounding air.

  • Scuba Diving

    As a diver descends underwater, the pressure increases, causing the volume of air in their lungs and equipment to decrease. This is why divers need to adjust their breathing and equipment to account for changes in pressure.

FAQ

  • Does Boyle’s Law apply to liquids and solids?

    No, Boyle’s Law specifically applies to gases. Liquids and solids do not compress in the same way gases do, so the relationship between pressure and volume is different.

  • Can Boyle’s Law be applied at extreme temperatures?

    Boyle’s Law assumes the temperature remains constant. In real-world situations with extremely high or low temperatures, other gas laws may be more appropriate to describe the behavior of the gas.

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Related Topic

Gay-Lussac's Law

The Relationship Between Temperature and Pressure in Gases
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