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A U-Tube Experiment To Discover the Curve in Boyle's Law

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Thomas G. Richmond and Amy Parr

Department of Chemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, 84112

J. Chem. Educ., 1997, 74 (4), p 414

DOI: 10.1021/ed074p414

Publication Date (Web): April 1, 1997

Section:

History, Education, and Documentation

Abstract

A discovery-style experiment is described to enable introductory chemistry students to determine the pressure versus volume behavior of a gas over a wide pressure range to "discover" Boyle's Law. A small volume of air is trapped by water or mineral oil in the sealed end of a 10-mL graduated pipet that has been bent in the shape of a U. The external pressure is reduced using a water aspirator to expand the gas sample as far as possible. The volume of the gas as a function of pressure (measured with a Bourdon tube absolute pressure gauge) is recorded as air is leaked back into the system through a needle valve. The experiment overcomes some of the limitations of previous methods and offers opportunities for several levels of data analysis.

Keywords (Audience):

High School / Introductory Chemistry

Keywords (Domain):

Physical Chemistry

Keywords (Pedagogy):

Hands-On Learning / Manipulatives

Keywords (Subject):

Gases

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This article has been cited by 2 ACS Journal articles (2 most recent appear below).

An Inquiry-Based Chemistry Laboratory Promoting Student Discovery of Gas Laws
A. M. R. P. Bopegedera
Journal of Chemical Education2007 84 (3), 465
- An Inquiry-Based Chemistry Laboratory Promoting Student Discovery of Gas Laws
  A. M. R. P. Bopegedera
  Journal of Chemical Education2007 84 (3), 465
  Gas laws are taught in most undergraduate general chemistry courses and even in some high school chemistry courses. This article describes the author's experience of using the laboratory to allow students to â€œdiscoverâ€ gas laws instead of the ...
  Abstract | Hi-Res PDF | PDF w/ Links
Where Did the Water Go? Boyle's Law and Pressurized Diaphragm Water Tanks
Sundar Naga , James Brimhall
Journal of Chemical Education2007 84 (3), 425
- Where Did the Water Go? Boyle's Law and Pressurized Diaphragm Water Tanks
  Sundar Naga , James Brimhall
  Journal of Chemical Education2007 84 (3), 425
  Many homes use pressurized diaphragm tanks for storage of water pumped from an underground well. These tanks are very carefully constructed to have separate internal chambers for the storage of water and for the air that provides the pressure. One might ...
  Abstract | Hi-Res PDF | PDF w/ Links