On a cool morning (12 °C), a balloon is filled with 1.5 L of helium.By mid-afternoon, the temperature has soared to 32 °C.What is the new volume of the balloon?
A) 720 L
B) 11.3 L
C) 1.6 L
D) 1.4 L
E) 0.20 L

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The volume of the balloon at the new temperature can be found using Charles's Law, which states that $V_1/T_1 = V_2/T_2$ when the pressure is constant. First, convert temperatures to Kelvin by adding 273.15: $T_1 = 12 + 273.15 = 285.15 K$ and $T_2 = 32 + 273.15 = 305.15 K$. Then, solve for $V_2$: $V_2 = V_1 \times (T_2 / T_1) = 1.5 \times (305.15 / 285.15) \approx 1.6 L$.

On a Cool Morning (12 °C), a Balloon Is Filled