Gas Pressure and Volume
Recommended for grades 6–12.
Introduction
In this simple experiment, you will use a Gas Pressure Sensor and a gas syringe to study the relationship between gas pressure and volume. Temperature and amount of gas will be kept constant. The results will be expressed in words, in a table, with a graph, and with a mathematical equation. These are four methods commonly used by scientists to communicate information.
This experiment is similar to one first done by Robert Boyle in 1662—without the use of a computer, of course. The relationship you will discover is known as Boyle’s law.
Objectives
In this experiment, you will
- Use a Gas Pressure Sensor and a gas syringe to measure the pressure of an air sample at several different volumes.
- Make a table of the results.
- Graph the results.
- Predict the pressure at other volumes.
- Describe the relationship between gas pressure and volume with words and with a mathematical equation.
Sensors and Equipment
This experiment requires each of the following Vernier sensors and equipment (unless otherwise noted):
Additional Requirements
You may also need an interface and software for data collection. What do I need for data collection?
Download Experiment Preview
The student-version preview includes:
- Step-by-step instructions for computer-based data collection
- List of materials and equipment
Note: The experiment preview of the computer edition does not include essential teacher information, safety tips, or sample data. Instructions for Logger Pro and other software (such as LabQuest App or TI handheld software, where available) are on the CD that accompanies the book. We strongly recommend that you purchase the book before performing experiments.
Standards Correlations
See all standards correlations for Physical Science with Vernier »
Included in the Lab Book
Vernier lab books include a CD with word-processing files of the student instructions, essential teacher information, suggested answers, sample data and graphs, and more.