How does the change in temperature relate to the volume of the gas in the balloon?
The correct answer and explanation is:
Answer:
As the temperature of a gas increases, its volume increases; conversely, as the temperature decreases, the volume of the gas decreases. This relationship is directly proportional, assuming the pressure and the amount of gas remain constant. This is described by Charles’s Law, which states that the volume of a gas is directly proportional to its absolute temperature (measured in Kelvin).
Explanation (300 words):
The relationship between temperature and volume of a gas inside a balloon can be explained using Charles’s Law. According to this gas law, when the pressure and amount of gas are held constant, the volume of a gas changes in direct proportion to its temperature measured in Kelvin.
In simple terms, when a gas is heated, its particles gain kinetic energy and move faster. This increased motion causes the gas particles to push outwards with more force against the walls of the balloon. Since the balloon’s rubber is flexible, it expands to accommodate the increased pressure, resulting in a larger volume. Hence, heating the balloon causes it to grow larger.
On the other hand, when the temperature decreases, the gas particles lose kinetic energy and move slower. They exert less force on the balloon’s inner walls, so the balloon contracts, resulting in a smaller volume.
It is important to use absolute temperature (Kelvin) rather than Celsius because gas behavior depends on absolute zero, the theoretical temperature at which gas particles have minimal motion. The Kelvin scale starts at absolute zero (0 K), so Charles’s Law is expressed mathematically as: V1T1=V2T2\frac{V_1}{T_1} = \frac{V_2}{T_2}
where VV is volume and TT is temperature in Kelvin.
This explains everyday phenomena such as why a balloon shrinks in cold weather and expands in warm weather. Understanding this relationship is crucial in many applications like hot air balloons, car tires, and even breathing gases in medical therapies.
In summary, volume and temperature of a gas are directly related: increasing temperature increases volume, while decreasing temperature reduces volume, as long as pressure remains constant.