Boyle's Law Calculator

Calculate the relationship between pressure and volume of a gas at constant temperature

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Boyle's Law Explained

Boyle's Law states that the pressure of a given mass of an ideal gas is inversely proportional to its volume at a constant temperature.

The mathematical expression of Boyle's Law is:

P₁V₁ = P₂V₂

Where:

  • P₁ = Initial pressure
  • V₁ = Initial volume
  • P₂ = Final pressure
  • V₂ = Final volume

This means that if you increase the pressure on a gas, its volume will decrease proportionally, and vice versa, as long as the temperature remains constant.

How to Use This Calculator
  1. Select what you want to solve for from the dropdown menu.
  2. Enter the known values in the appropriate fields.
  3. Select the units for each measurement.
  4. Click "Calculate" to get the result.
  5. Check the options to show step-by-step solution or graph.

Tips:

  • You only need to fill three of the four fields (P₁, V₁, P₂, V₂).
  • The calculator will solve for the empty field based on your selection.
  • Use the unit conversion if needed - the calculator handles all conversions automatically.
Example Problems
Example 1:

A gas occupies 2.0 L at 1.5 atm. What will be its volume at 3.0 atm?

Solution:

P₁ = 1.5 atm, V₁ = 2.0 L, P₂ = 3.0 atm

Using P₁V₁ = P₂V₂ → V₂ = P₁V₁/P₂ = (1.5 × 2.0)/3.0 = 1.0 L

Example 2:

A gas has a volume of 500 mL at 760 mmHg. What pressure will reduce its volume to 300 mL?

Solution:

P₁ = 760 mmHg, V₁ = 500 mL, V₂ = 300 mL

Using P₁V₁ = P₂V₂ → P₂ = P₁V₁/V₂ = (760 × 500)/300 ≈ 1266.67 mmHg

Unit Conversion Reference
Pressure Units:
  • 1 atm = 760 mmHg = 101.325 kPa
  • 1 mmHg = 1 torr
  • 1 kPa = 1000 Pa
Volume Units:
  • 1 L = 1000 mL
  • 1 m³ = 1000 L
  • 1 mL = 1 cm³
Actions
Quick Tips
Remember that Boyle's Law only applies at constant temperature!
Make sure to use consistent units or let the calculator handle conversions.
The pressure-volume graph shows the characteristic hyperbola of an inverse relationship.