Compression and Expansion of a Gas

Definition

Compression refers to decreasing volume which increases pressure in gas while expansion is increasing volume which decreases pressure in gas.

Related terms

Boyle’s Law:

States that at constant temperature for a fixed mass, the absolute pressure and volume are inversely proportional.

Charles’ Law:

States that volume is directly proportional to absolute temperature for fixed amount of gas at constant pressure.

Ideal Gas Law:

Equation used to calculate how changes in pressure, volume and temperature influence each other.