A container of gas occupies 3.5 L at 585 mmHg. What would the new pressure be if the volume decreases to 2.0L?

1023.75mmHg

Explanation:

V1 = 3.5L

P1 = 585mmHg

V2 = 2.0L

P2 = ?

To solve this question, we'll require the use of Boyle's law which states that the volume of a fixed mass of gas is inversely proportional to its pressure provided that temperature is kept constant.

Mathematically,

V = kP, k = PV

P1 * V1 = P2 * V2 = P3 * V3 = ... = Pn * Vn

P1 * V1 = P2 * V2

Solve for P2,

P2 = (P1 * V1) / V2

P2 = (585 * 3.5) / 2.0

P2 = 2047.5 / 2.0

P2 = 1023.75mmHg

The final pressure of the gas is 1023.75mmHg