Boyle's Law Calculator Formula
Understand the math behind the boyle's law calculator. Each variable explained with a worked example.
Formulas Used
Final Volume
v2 = p1 * v1 / p2Variables
| Variable | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|
p1 | Initial Pressure(atm) | 1 |
v1 | Initial Volume(L) | 10 |
p2 | Final Pressure(atm) | 2 |
How It Works
Boyle's Law
At constant temperature, the pressure and volume of a gas are inversely proportional.
Formula
P1 * V1 = P2 * V2
If you compress a gas (decrease volume), its pressure increases proportionally.
Worked Example
A gas at 1 atm and 10 L is compressed to 2 atm.
- 01P1 * V1 = P2 * V2
- 021 * 10 = 2 * V2
- 03V2 = 10 / 2
- 04V2 = 5 L
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Boyle's law apply?
When temperature and the amount of gas are constant (isothermal process). It is a special case of the ideal gas law.
Why do deep-sea divers need to ascend slowly?
By Boyle's law, gas in the lungs expands as pressure decreases during ascent. Rising too fast can cause lung overexpansion.
Who was Robert Boyle?
An Anglo-Irish natural philosopher (1627-1691) who discovered the inverse pressure-volume relationship in 1662.
Learn More
Guide
How to Use the Ideal Gas Law
Learn how to use the ideal gas law PV = nRT step by step. Covers pressure, volume, temperature, moles, the gas constant, and related gas laws with worked examples.
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Open Boyle's Law Calculator