You have a sample of gas in a container with a movable piston, such as the one in the drawing. b. Redraw the container to show what it might look like if the external pressure on the piston is increased from 1.0 atm to 2.0 atm while the temperature is kept constant.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the initial conditions of the gas: The gas is at an initial pressure of 1.0 atm with a certain volume.
2. Recognize that the problem involves a change in external pressure from 1.0 atm to 2.0 atm while keeping the temperature constant.
3. Apply Boyle's Law, which states that for a given amount of gas at constant temperature, the pressure and volume are inversely proportional: \( P_1V_1 = P_2V_2 \).
4. Understand that increasing the external pressure to 2.0 atm will cause the volume of the gas to decrease, as the piston will move inward to balance the pressure.
5. Redraw the container with the piston moved inward, indicating a smaller volume of gas, while labeling the new external pressure as 2.0 atm.

Key Concepts

Gas Laws

Gas laws describe the behavior of gases in relation to pressure, volume, and temperature. The most relevant here is Boyle's Law, which states that at constant temperature, the pressure of a gas is inversely proportional to its volume. This means that if the pressure increases, the volume must decrease, provided the temperature remains unchanged.

Pressure

Pressure is defined as the force exerted per unit area. In the context of gases, it is often measured in atmospheres (atm). When external pressure on a gas increases, it compresses the gas, reducing its volume, which is a key aspect to consider when redrawing the container with the piston.

Piston Mechanism

A piston mechanism allows for the movement of gas within a container by changing the volume of the gas space. When external pressure is applied to the piston, it moves inward, compressing the gas. Understanding how the piston responds to changes in pressure is crucial for visualizing the gas behavior under different conditions.