To find the new pressure when the sample of helium is placed in a smaller container, we can use Boyle's Law, which states that pressure and volume are inversely proportional at constant temperature.
Boyle's Law equation can be written as:
P1 * V1 = P2 * V2
where
P1 = initial pressure
V1 = initial volume
P2 = final pressure (new pressure)
V2 = final volume
Given:
P1 = 0.988 atm
V1 = 3.40 L
V2 = 2.15 L
Now, let's plug in the values into the equation and solve for P2:
P1 * V1 = P2 * V2
0.988 atm * 3.40 L = P2 * 2.15 L
3.3552 atm*L = P2 * 2.15 L
Now, to solve for P2 (new pressure), divide both sides by 2.15 L:
P2 = 3.3552 atm*L / 2.15 L
P2 = 1.5613 atm
Therefore, the new pressure, when the sample of helium is placed in a 2.15 L container, is approximately 1.5613 atm.