42. Which of the following graphs best illustrates Boyle's law, which indicates that the volume occupied by a fixed number of gas molecules is inversely proportional to the pressure, at a constant temperature?
Answer: C
Graph C best illustrates Boyle's law.
Graph C effectively demonstrates Boyle's law as it shows an inverse relationship between pressure and volume, which is the essence of the law. As the pressure increases, the volume decreases, clearly indicating the proportionality stated in Boyle's law.
A) Graph A
Graph A does not accurately represent Boyle's law, as it may show a direct relationship between pressure and volume or an unrelated pattern. For Boyle's law, the graph must depict a downward curve indicating that when pressure increases, volume decreases.
B) Graph B
Graph B is also incorrect because it fails to illustrate the inverse relationship required by Boyle's law. If it shows a linear or positive correlation between pressure and volume, it contradicts the fundamental principle that volume decreases as pressure increases under constant temperature conditions.
C) Graph C
Graph C is the correct choice because it effectively illustrates the inverse relationship between pressure and volume that Boyle's law describes. The graph demonstrates that as pressure rises, the volume occupied by the gas decreases, aligning perfectly with the law's statement.
D) Graph D
Graph D does not fulfill the requirements of Boyle's law; it may show a constant volume or an unrelated variable. An accurate representation needs to reflect the inverse proportionality between pressure and volume, which is not depicted in this graph.
Conclusion
Graph C is definitively the best representation of Boyle's law due to its clear depiction of the inverse relationship between pressure and volume. In contrast, the other options (A, B, and D) fail to illustrate this fundamental concept, either by showing direct relationships or unrelated patterns. Thus, Graph C stands out as the only correct choice.