1. What is Charles' Law?

Charles' Law states that the volume of a given amount of gas is directly proportional to its temperature on the Kelvin scale when pressure is held constant. It's a fundamental gas law in physics and chemistry.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses Charles' Law equation:

Where:

• \( V_1 \) — Initial volume (L)
• \( T_1 \) — Initial temperature (K)
• \( V_2 \) — Final volume (L)
• \( T_2 \) — Final temperature (K)

Explanation: The ratio of volume to temperature remains constant for an ideal gas at constant pressure.

3. Importance of Charles' Law

Details: Charles' Law helps predict gas behavior under temperature changes, crucial in thermodynamics, meteorology, and engineering applications like hot air balloons.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter three known values and leave one field empty to calculate the unknown. All temperatures must be in Kelvin (K = °C + 273.15).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why must temperature be in Kelvin?
A: Kelvin is an absolute temperature scale where 0 K represents absolute zero, making gas law calculations mathematically valid.

Q2: What are the limitations of Charles' Law?
A: It applies only to ideal gases at constant pressure. Real gases deviate at high pressures and low temperatures.

Q3: How does this relate to absolute zero?
A: Extrapolating Charles' Law suggests volume would reach zero at absolute zero (-273.15°C or 0 K).

Q4: What's the difference between Charles' and Boyle's Law?
A: Charles' Law relates volume and temperature at constant pressure, while Boyle's Law relates volume and pressure at constant temperature.

Q5: Can I use Celsius if I keep the ratio?
A: No, you must convert to Kelvin as the relationship is only valid with absolute temperature.