A gas-filled vertical cylinder,closed at the bottom end,is fitted at the top with a piston that can move freely.The mass of the piston is 10.0 kg,and the initial height of the piston above the bottom of the cylinder is 25 cm.A mass of 8.0 kg is placed on the piston.What is the resulting height of the piston,assuming that the temperature of the ideal gas is kept constant?
A)12 cm
B)13 cm
C)14 cm
D)15 cm
E)16 cm

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The pressure exerted by the piston is proportional to the total mass on it. Initially, the pressure is due to the 10 kg piston. When an additional 8 kg is added, the pressure increases proportionally. Using Boyle's Law (P1V1 = P2V2) and keeping temperature constant, the new height is calculated as (10 kg / 18 kg) * 25 cm = 13.89 cm, which rounds to 14 cm.

A Gas-Filled Vertical Cylinder,closed at the Bottom End,is Fitted at the Top