Physical Science

Boyle's Law

(Related Lesson: Pasta Power)

Standard Statement:
3.4.10 A - Explain concepts about the structure and properties of matter.

Content Objectives:
Students will be able to:

Know that Boyle’s Law states that the volume of a gas is inversely proportional to the pressure applied to it.

Process Objectives:
Students will be able to:

Develop an experiment to illustrate Boyle’s Law.

Assessment Strategies:
Student report

Student presentation to class

Teacher observation

Analysis of lab report

Correct plot of volume vs. pressure showing that volume is inversely proportional to pressure, with a properly written conclusion, discussing the hyperbolic relationship.

Procedures:

1.   Remove stopper from the front of the syringe. Draw the plunger back.
Replace the stopper and set the syringe in its base. Record the volume of the syringe.

2.   Place one textbook on the syringe plunger. Record the new volume reading. Repeat this with several more textbooks.

3.   Graph the volume versus the number of textbooks. The number of textbooks is related to the pressure applied to the syringe plunger. Note the curved line that results.

4.   Construct a second graph of the volume versus reciprocal of pressure.

5.   Describe in words what the graphs show.

Note:  If using a pressure probe, read volume from syringe.  Calculator will record pressure.

Related Lesson: Pasta Power

Suggested Level:
Grades 10-12

Standard Category:
3.4  Physical Science, Chemistry and Physics

Materials:
Syringe (50 mL in wooden base)

Textbooks

Graph paper

OPTIONAL MATERIALS:
CBL Interface

Pressure Probe

Appropriate Software

TI 80, 82, 92, etc., calculators

Instructional Strategies:
Exploratory activity