AAMC FL Practice Exam

Which equation represents Boyles Law?

1. P1V1 = P2V2

2. P = V/R

3. P = F/A

4. P1/T1 = P2/T2

The correct answer is: P1V1 = P2V2

Boyle's Law describes the relationship between the pressure and volume of a gas at constant temperature. According to this law, the product of the pressure and volume of a gas remains constant when the temperature is held steady. This is mathematically represented by the equation P1V1 = P2V2, which indicates that the initial pressure of the gas multiplied by its initial volume will equal the final pressure multiplied by the final volume after a change, assuming there is no change in temperature. This law is a fundamental principle in thermodynamics and is often utilized in chemistry and physics to understand how gases behave under varying pressure and volume conditions. The other equations provided pertain to different scientific principles. For instance, P = V/R represents Ohm’s Law in electricity, P = F/A is a formula for pressure derived from force and area, and P1/T1 = P2/T2 represents Charles's Law, which describes the relationship between pressure and temperature, not involving volume in the manner Boyle's Law does. Hence, the equation defining Boyle's Law is correctly represented by the product of pressure and volume being constant during thermal equilibrium.