A can of spray paint contains nitrogen gas as the propellant. The pressure of the gas is 3.5 atm when the temperature is 20.˚C. The can is left in the sun, and the temperature of the gas increases to 50.˚C. What is the pressure in the can?

The new pressure is 3.86 atm

Explanation:

Step 1: Data given

The initial pressure = 3.5 atm

The temperature = 20.0 °C = 293 K

The temperature increases to 50°C = 323 K

Step 2: Calculate the new pressure

P1/T1 = P2/T2

⇒with P1 = the initial pressure = 3.5 atm

⇒with T1 = the initial temperature = 293 K

⇒with P2 = the new pressure = TO BE DETERMINED

⇒with T2 = the increased temperature = 323 K

3.5 atm/293 K = P2 / 323 K

P2 = (3.5/293) * 323

P2 = 3.86 atm

The new pressure is 3.86 atm