According to Boyle's law, what is the equation that relates pressure and volume?

• A. P1V1 = P2V2
• B. P1 + V1 = P2 + V2
• C. P1/V1 = P2 + V2
• D. P1V1 = P2/V2

Answer: (A)

Boyle's law states that the pressure of a gas is inversely related to its volume when the temperature is held constant. The relationship is expressed in the equation ( P_1V_1 = P_2V_2 ), where ( P_1 ) and ( V_1 ) represent the initial pressure and volume of the gas, and ( P_2 ) and ( V_2 ) represent the final pressure and volume after a change occurs. This reflects that when the volume of a gas decreases (for instance, by compressing it), the pressure increases, and vice versa.

This equation effectively captures the fundamental principle of Boyle’s law, illustrating the trade-off between pressure and volume. The process is a critical concept in anesthesiology, especially when understanding how gases behave under different conditions in the anesthesia machine and during administration.