A student designs an experiment using an ideal gas, as shown here. Which variable change would most likely increase the volume of the system, as shown in the image?
Responses
A decreasing both the pressure and the temperaturedecreasing both the pressure and the temperature
B decreasing the temperature while increasing the pressuredecreasing the temperature while increasing the pressure
C decreasing the pressure while increasing the temperaturedecreasing the pressure while increasing the temperature
D increasing the pressure while holding the temperature constant
C. decreasing the pressure while increasing the temperature
The variable change that would most likely increase the volume of the system is decreasing the pressure while increasing the temperature. Therefore, the correct answer is C.
To determine which variable change would most likely increase the volume of the system, we need to understand the relationship between volume and pressure, as well as the relationship between volume and temperature in an ideal gas.
According to Boyle's law, at a constant temperature, the volume of an ideal gas is inversely proportional to the pressure. This means that if the pressure of the gas decreases, the volume will increase, and vice versa.
Similarly, according to Charles's law, at a constant pressure, the volume of an ideal gas is directly proportional to the temperature. This means that if the temperature of the gas increases, the volume will also increase.
Now let's analyze the given options:
A. Decreasing both the pressure and the temperature: This would cause the volume of the gas to decrease, as per Boyle's law.
B. Decreasing the temperature while increasing the pressure: This option involves contradictory changes in pressure and temperature, so it's not a likely scenario.
C. Decreasing the pressure while increasing the temperature: This would cause the volume of the gas to increase, according to Boyle's law and Charles's law. This change is the most likely one to increase the volume of the system, as required.
D. Increasing the pressure while holding the temperature constant: This would decrease the volume of the gas, as per Boyle's law.
Therefore, based on the given options, the variable change that would most likely increase the volume of the system is option C - decreasing the pressure while increasing the temperature.