Question

a sample of oxygen gas (o₂) is transferred from a 30.00 - liter tank to an empty 20.00 - liter cylinder. after transfer, the pressure in the 20.00 - liter cylinder is 27.56 atmospheres (atm). what was the initial pressure of the o₂ gas inside the tank? assume ideal gas behavior and a constant temperature. write your answer to the correct number of significant figures. round if necessary. atm

Explanation:

Step1: Identify Boyle's Law formula

$P_1V_1 = P_2V_2$

Step2: Assign values

Let $V_1 = 30.00$ L, $V_2=20.00$ L, $P_2 = 27.56$ atm. We need to find $P_1$.

Step3: Rearrange formula for $P_1$

$P_1=\frac{P_2V_2}{V_1}$

Step4: Substitute values

$P_1=\frac{27.56\times20.00}{30.00}$
$P_1=\frac{551.2}{30.00}\approx18.3733$
Rounding to four - significant figures, $P_1 = 18.37$ atm.

Answer:

18.37 atm