How to calculate temperature of expanded ideal gas.

By definition an ideal gas in a closed follows the relationship of PV=nRT, or PV/T = constant

This means that Pressure * Volume/ Temperature will be the same at the start and end of the process. 

So P1V1/T1=P2V2/T2

Assuming that we have a gas at a temperature of 300k (T1) in a piston initially at 1m(V1) which is then expanded at constant pressure (isobaric) to 2m3.(V2) What would be the final temperature?

As Pressure is the same at the start and end of the process, we can ignore the pressure terms, giving

V1/T1=V2/T2

Rearranging the equation to give a solution to T2

T2=V1*T1/V2

Thus filling in the terms we already know, gives

T2=1*300/2

T2=150k

Answered by Iain C. Physics tutor

7110 Views

See similar Physics GCSE tutors

Related Physics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

A bat emits a sound wave with a frequency of 25.0 kHz and a wavelength of 0.0136 metres. Calculate the speed of this sound wave.


What's the difference between longitudinal and transverse waves?


A car is travelling at 10m/s. It then accelerates at a constant rate.Find the time taken for the car to travel 1km if the car’s final velocity is then 22m/s .


The teacher quickly inverts the can containing boiling water into a bowl of cold water, as shown in the diagram. When the can is inverted in the cold water, the can collapses. Use ideas about particles and pressure to explain why the can collapses.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences