Certified Hyperbaric Technologist Practice Test

How does the temperature change in a rigid container when the pressure decreases, based on Gay-Lussac's Law?

1. Temperature increases

2. Temperature decreases

3. Temperature remains constant

4. No change in temperature

The correct answer is: Temperature decreases

According to Gay-Lussac's Law, the pressure of a gas in a rigid container is directly proportional to its absolute temperature when the volume is held constant. This implies that if the pressure decreases, the temperature must also decrease to maintain the proportional relationship. In a rigid container, as the pressure drops, the gas molecules have less kinetic energy, which results in a lower temperature. This relationship can be expressed mathematically as \( P/T = k \), where \( P \) is pressure, \( T \) is absolute temperature, and \( k \) is a constant. Therefore, when the pressure decreases, the direct consequence is a reduction in temperature. Understanding this principle is crucial in various applications, including hyperbaric medicine, where pressure changes can significantly affect gas behavior and temperature within the system. Hence, recognizing that a decrease in pressure leads to a decrease in temperature is vital for safe and effective practices within a hyperbaric environment.