What are some common mistakes students make with the Boyle's law?

Question

Wyatt Adkins · Accepted Answer

Boyle's Law compares the inverse relationship between pressure and volume of at gas at a constant temperature. Boyle's Law is based upon the mathematical relationship between pressure an volume in the equation #P_iV_i =P_f##V_f#.

The most common mistake students make is in making sure their units are compatible. Pressure can be measured in atmospheres (atm), Torrcellis (torr), millimeters of mercury (mmHg), Pascals (Pa). Volume can be measured in liters (L), milliliters (mL), centimeters cubed #cm^3# or decimeters cubed #dm^3#. With so many different possibilities for units, it is very important that students make sure the units on both sides of the equation are the same.

I hope this was helpful.
SMARTERTEACHER

Wyatt Atkins · Answer

undefined Some common mistakes students make with Boyle's law include:
1. Misunderstanding the inverse relationship between pressure and volume.
2. Failing to use consistent units of measurement.
3. Forgetting to keep temperature constant when applying Boyle's law.
4. Not recognizing that Boyle's law applies specifically to ideal gases under constant temperature conditions.
5. Incorrectly assuming that Boyle's law applies to all states of matter or non-ideal gases.