Boyle's Law

Purpose:
In this experiment, you will change the volume of air in a syringe
and measure the change in pressure that results. You will
determine the relationship between Volume and Pressure by
examining a graph of V vs. P and a graph of Inverse Volume vs.
Pressure.

Equipment:
• Computer Interface • Absolute Pressure Sensor • Plastic syringe

Equipment Setup:
1. Put the pointed end of the connecting tube into the tube on the syringe.
2. Push the other connecting end into the absolute
pressure sensor.

Software Setup:
1. Make sure that the interface is connected to the computer
and is turned on.
2. Connect the Pressure Sensor’s plug into Analog channel A on
the interface.
3. Launch DataStudio and choose “Open Activity”.
4. To open the experiment, go to…

Desktop folder  David & Mary Thomson CI folder  Pickup 

Science  Probe Experiments  Chemistry  ThomsonBoyle’sLaw

5. Read the experiment information, then minimize that window so you can see the
Table and Graph windows.

Data Collection Procedure:

1. Set the initial volume of air in the syringe to 20 mL by disconnecting the quick-
release connector from the sensor, moving the piston to the 20 mL position, and
then reconnecting the sensor.
2. Arrange the displays so that the Table is visible. Start recording data by clicking
the ‘Start’ button ( ), which will change to a ‘Keep’ button ( ).
Pressing the Keep button will record the current air pressure inside the syringe.
3. The 18 mL row is now highlighted in the Table. Move the syringe piston to 18 and
again click Keep.
4. Repeat above steps, decreasing volume 2 mL at a time until 10 mL (DO NOT GO
LOWER THAN 10 mL or you will break the sensor). Click Stop ( ).
Conclusions and Extensions:
1. What happens to the air pressure inside a container as its volume is changed while
the temperature remains constant?

2. From looking at your data, identify whether pressure and volume seem to be
directly proportional or inversely proportional to each other. How can you tell?

3. State Boyle’s Law. Does your data support Boyle’s Law?

4. Propose a molecular explanation for the Pressure vs. Volume effect you observed.

5. What are possible sources of error in this experiment? Explain how they could be
minimized.