Charles's Law Calculator Formula
Understand the math behind the charles's law calculator. Each variable explained with a worked example.
Formulas Used
Final Volume
v2 = v1 * t2 / t1Variables
| Variable | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|
v1 | Initial Volume(L) | 10 |
t1 | Initial Temperature(K) | 300 |
t2 | Final Temperature(K) | 600 |
How It Works
Charles's Law
At constant pressure, the volume of a gas is directly proportional to its absolute temperature.
Formula
V1 / T1 = V2 / T2
Temperature must be in Kelvin. Heating a gas causes it to expand.
Worked Example
10 L of gas at 300 K heated to 600 K at constant pressure.
- 01V1/T1 = V2/T2
- 02V2 = V1 * T2 / T1
- 03V2 = 10 * 600 / 300
- 04V2 = 20 L
Frequently Asked Questions
Why must temperature be in Kelvin?
The Kelvin scale starts at absolute zero, where gas volume would theoretically be zero. Using Celsius would give incorrect ratios because 0°C is not zero temperature.
How do hot air balloons work?
By Charles's law, heating the air inside the balloon increases its volume (and decreases its density), creating buoyancy.
Who was Jacques Charles?
A French physicist (1746-1823) who first described the volume-temperature relationship of gases in 1787.
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 Charles's Law Calculator