A certain balloon will pop if it expands to a volume greater than 16.0 L. The balloon is currently filled with air at a volume of 8.0 L. You heat the balloon such that the temperature measured in degrees Celsius doubles. Which of the following best describes what happens?
A) The balloon will expand to a volume greater than 16.0 L and pop.
B) The balloon will expand to a volume less than 16.0 L and not pop.
C) The balloon will expand to a volume of 16.0 L and pop.
D) The balloon will expand to a volume of 16.0 L and not pop.
E) The volume of the balloon will remain the same but the pressure will increase.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

According to Charles's law, at constant pressure, the volume of a gas is directly proportional to its temperature in Kelvin. Doubling the temperature in Celsius will result in a doubling of the temperature in Kelvin. Therefore, if the original temperature of the air in the balloon was T, and the temperature is now 2T, the volume will also double. This means the volume will become 16.0 L, which is the limit for the balloon not to pop. Hence, the balloon will expand to a volume less than 16.0 L and not pop.

A Certain Balloon Will Pop If It Expands to a Volume