Understanding Charles's Law: Application in Physics
How does Charles's Law apply to the concept of thermal expansion in Physics?
The question involves the application of Charles's law in Physics, which states that the volume of a gas is directly proportional to its temperature, assuming pressure remains constant. After converting the temperatures to Kelvin, how can we calculate the new volume of the propane in the tank?
Explanation:
This question relates to the concept of thermal expansion in Physics. Specifically, the concept at hand is Charles's Law which states that, for a given amount of gas at a constant pressure, the volume is directly proportional to its absolute temperature. In other words, as the temperature of a gas increases, so does its volume, assuming the pressure remains constant.
To solve this question, we can use Charles's law formula: V1/T1 = V2/T2. But we need to adjust the temperatures from Celsius to Kelvin first (as they are meant to be in absolute temperature - Kelvin). Transform the temperatures by adding 273: T1 = 17 + 273 = 290 K, T2 = 31 + 273 = 304 K.
Volume of propane initially (V1) is 500 L. Replace the known values in to the formula to find the new volume of propane (V2): (500L / 290K) = V2 / 304K. Solving for V2, you get approximately 525 L. So the new volume of the propane in the tank when heated from 17.0∘C to 31.0∘C is 525 liters.
Further Understanding of Charles's Law:
Charles's Law is a fundamental principle in Physics that helps explain the relationship between the volume of a gas and its temperature. As the temperature of a gas increases, the particles within the gas gain energy and move more rapidly, causing the gas to expand and occupy a larger volume.
By understanding Charles's Law, scientists and engineers can predict how gases will behave under different temperature conditions, aiding in various applications such as understanding the behavior of air in weather patterns, designing effective heating and cooling systems, and ensuring the safety of gas storage tanks.
Learning about Charles's Law not only deepens our knowledge of the physical world but also equips us with the tools to analyze and interpret the behavior of gases in real-world scenarios. By applying the principles of Charles's Law, we can make informed decisions and advancements in various fields of science and technology.