alleryStart learning →A nitrogen sample at 27 degrees C exerts 600 torr in a rigid sealed container. What pressure does it exert when cooled to -73 degrees C?
A300 torr
B400 torr
C500 torr
D200 torr
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: B. 400 torr
1. The container is rigid and sealed, so volume and moles are fixed and the pressure to temperature ratio stays constant.
2. Convert the starting temperature to kelvin: 27 + 273 = 300 K.
3. Convert the final temperature to kelvin: -73 + 273 = 200 K.
4. Apply P1 over T1 equals P2 over T2: 600 torr / 300 K = P2 / 200 K.
5. Solve: P2 = 600 x 200 / 300 = 400 torr.
6. Working in Celsius would give 600 x -73 / 27, a negative pressure, which is the classic error this question sets.
7. The answer 200 torr comes from copying the kelvin temperature straight into the pressure slot.
_Source: OpenStax Chemistry (CC BY 4.0), Ch 9 "Gases", section 9.2 Relating Pressure, Volume, Amount, and Temperature: The Ideal Gas Law_
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