💏intro to chemistry review

Boyle

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025

Definition

Boyle's Law states that the pressure of a gas is inversely proportional to its volume when temperature and the number of moles are held constant. It can be mathematically expressed as $PV = k$, where $P$ is pressure, $V$ is volume, and $k$ is a constant.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. Boyle's Law is only applicable when temperature and the amount of gas are constant.
  2. The relationship between pressure and volume is inversely proportional; as one increases, the other decreases.
  3. Boyle's Law can be derived from the ideal gas law by holding temperature and moles constant: $PV = nRT$.
  4. In real-world applications, Boyle's Law helps to explain behaviors in breathing, syringes, and hydraulic systems.
  5. The units for pressure and volume must be consistent when applying Boyle's Law.
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