Question

a 10.0 - liter sample of oxygen gas (o₂) is compressed inside a rigid cylinder with a moveable piston. after compression, the pressure and volume of the o₂ gas are 8.34 bar and 2.1 liters, respectively. what was the initial pressure of the o₂ gas in the cylinder? assume ideal gas behavior and a constant temperature. write your answer to the correct number of significant figures. round if necessary.

Explanation:

Step1: Recall Boyle's Law formula

$P_1V_1 = P_2V_2$

Step2: Identify given values

$V_1=10.0$ L, $P_2 = 8.34$ bar, $V_2=2.1$ L

Step3: Solve for $P_1$

$P_1=\frac{P_2V_2}{V_1}=\frac{8.34\times2.1}{10.0}$
$P_1 = 1.7514$ bar
Rounding to 2 significant - figures (since 2.1 has 2 significant figures), $P_1\approx1.8$ bar

Answer:

$1.8$ bar