Math Problem Statement

An arctic weather balloon is filled with 35.3 L of helium gas inside a prep shed. The temperature inside the shed is 13 degrees C. The balloon is then taken outside, where the temperature is -22 degrees C. Calculate the new volume of the balloon. You may assume the pressure on the balloon stays constant at exactly 1 atm. Be sure your answer has the correct number of significant digits.

Solution

To solve this problem, we can use Charles's Law, which states that the volume of a gas is directly proportional to its temperature (in Kelvin) when pressure is held constant. Charles's Law can be expressed as:

V1T1=V2T2\frac{V_1}{T_1} = \frac{V_2}{T_2}

Where:

  • V1V_1 is the initial volume of the gas,
  • T1T_1 is the initial temperature in Kelvin,
  • V2V_2 is the final volume of the gas,
  • T2T_2 is the final temperature in Kelvin.

Given:

  • V1=35.3LV_1 = 35.3 \, \text{L},
  • T1=13C=13+273.15=286.15KT_1 = 13^\circ \text{C} = 13 + 273.15 = 286.15 \, \text{K},
  • T2=22C=22+273.15=251.15KT_2 = -22^\circ \text{C} = -22 + 273.15 = 251.15 \, \text{K}.

We are tasked with finding V2V_2, the new volume.

Rearrange Charles's Law to solve for V2V_2:

V2=V1×T2T1V_2 = V_1 \times \frac{T_2}{T_1}

Substitute the known values:

V2=35.3L×251.15K286.15KV_2 = 35.3 \, \text{L} \times \frac{251.15 \, \text{K}}{286.15 \, \text{K}}

Now calculate:

V235.3L×0.877V_2 \approx 35.3 \, \text{L} \times 0.877

V230.96LV_2 \approx 30.96 \, \text{L}

Significant Figures:

Since the given volume (35.3 L) has 3 significant digits, the final answer should also be expressed with 3 significant digits.

Thus, the new volume of the balloon is approximately:

V2=31.0LV_2 = 31.0 \, \text{L}

Would you like further details or have any questions about the calculation?

Here are 5 related questions to explore further:

  1. What is Boyle's Law and how does it differ from Charles's Law?
  2. How would the calculation change if the pressure were not constant?
  3. What are other real-life applications of Charles's Law?
  4. How do you convert Celsius to Kelvin in gas law problems?
  5. How would the volume change if the outside temperature dropped even further?

Tip: Always convert temperatures to Kelvin when dealing with gas law equations since the Kelvin scale starts at absolute zero, ensuring accuracy in proportionality calculations.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Gas Laws
Charles's Law
Temperature-Volume Relationship

Formulas

V1 / T1 = V2 / T2

Theorems

Charles's Law

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12