In 1664 Robert Boyle determined experimentally the effect of changing pressure on the volume of a gas at constant temperature. He found that if the pressure is increased, the volume of the gas decreases as shown in the graph.
This curve suggests the mathematical relationship shown between pressure and volume of a gas.
This mathematical relationship suggests
Boyle's work contributed to development of a model of the particle nature of matter. Consider the particle view of a gas shown.
| P = constant × | 1 |
| V |
This mathematical relationship suggests
that a plot of P against 1/V should be linear.
that the product PV should be constant for all V.
that a change in either volume or pressure results in a corresponding opposite change in the other.
If either the new pressure or the new volume is known, the other can be calculated.
The second graph at the right shows that this is true.
that the product PV should be constant for all V.
Roll your mouse over the top graph just to see that this is true.
that a change in either volume or pressure results in a corresponding opposite change in the other.
If either the new pressure or the new volume is known, the other can be calculated.
| P1V1 = P2V2 |
Boyle's work contributed to development of a model of the particle nature of matter. Consider the particle view of a gas shown.
Roll your mouse over the image to see that halving the volume occupied by the gas at constant temperature requires doubling the external pressure. This is due to the higher pressure exerted by the gas molecules in the smaller volume.