For an ideal gas undergoing an isothermal expansion, what is the relationship between pressure and volume?

Study for the Praxis Physics Exam with interactive questions and detailed explanations to enhance your understanding of physics concepts. Prepare for your exam efficiently!

Multiple Choice

For an ideal gas undergoing an isothermal expansion, what is the relationship between pressure and volume?

Explanation:
Isothermal means temperature stays the same. For an ideal gas, PV = nRT. If T and the amount of gas n are constant, then P = nRT / V, so pressure is inversely proportional to volume. As volume increases, pressure decreases in proportion to 1/V (doubling V halves P). The other options imply pressure that either grows with volume, grows with volume squared, or stays fixed—contradicting PV = nRT when T is constant.

Isothermal means temperature stays the same. For an ideal gas, PV = nRT. If T and the amount of gas n are constant, then P = nRT / V, so pressure is inversely proportional to volume. As volume increases, pressure decreases in proportion to 1/V (doubling V halves P). The other options imply pressure that either grows with volume, grows with volume squared, or stays fixed—contradicting PV = nRT when T is constant.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Passetra

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy