What is the volume of an air bubble in water at a depth of 50m?

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SUMMARY

The volume of an air bubble in water at a depth of 50 meters can be calculated using the ideal gas law, specifically the equation P1V1/T1 = P2V2/T2. The initial volume of the bubble is 1 cm³, and after applying the correct ratios and considering the pressure at the surface as 1 atm, the final volume at the surface is determined to be 6.2 cm³. The calculations involve temperature adjustments from 290 K (17°C) to 300 K (27°C) and the pressure change due to the water depth.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the ideal gas law (PV = nRT)
  • Knowledge of pressure and buoyancy concepts
  • Familiarity with temperature conversions (Kelvin to Celsius)
  • Ability to manipulate algebraic equations and ratios
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  • Study the application of the ideal gas law in varying pressure conditions
  • Learn about buoyancy forces and their calculations in fluids
  • Explore temperature effects on gas volume and pressure
  • Investigate how to calculate pressure at different water depths
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soopo
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Homework Statement


The problem is at
http://dl.getdropbox.com/u/175564/volumePressureTemperature.JPG


Homework Equations


I know the equation for ideal gases
pV = nRT
and
the definition of pressure
p = F / A


The Attempt at a Solution



The change in T is 10.
V_i = 1 cm^3

We need to first consider how the change in Temperature affects
the depth at which the bubble is.
It will goes up because the volume of the bubble increases.

The increase in Volume causes the boyonce force to increase.
Thus, the net force in f direction is zero at both depths:
F_boyonce - F_gravity = 0
g( m_Water - m_airBubble ) = 0

There is a linear relation between p and T if we assume the
situation for ideal gases.

I have apparently ignored some critical part.
It seems that the ideal Gas equation is not valid here.
The right answer is 6.2cm^3 that is (f).
 
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soopo said:
It seems that the ideal Gas equation is not valid here.
Sure it is--it's all you need for this problem. How does the pressure change? The temperature? Use the ideal gas law to determine how the volume changes. (Set up ratios.)
 
Doc Al said:
Sure it is--it's all you need for this problem. How does the pressure change? The temperature? Use the ideal gas law to determine how the volume changes. (Set up ratios.)

I have the following

V1 / V2 = \frac { T1 / P1 } { T2 / P2}V1 / V2 = \frac {290(p1 + 5atm)} {p1 * 300}
= 290/300 + 1450/(P1 * 300)

The problem is now P1 which is the initial pressure.
It seems that we need to approximate it, since we do not know it.
 
soopo said:
I have the following

V1 / V2 = \frac { T1 / P1 } { T2 / P2}


V1 / V2 = \frac {290(p1 + 5atm)} {p1 * 300}
= 290/300 + 1450/(P1 * 300)
You have the ratios a bit backwards. Start with this:
P1V1/T1 = P2V2/T2

The problem is now P1 which is the initial pressure.
It seems that we need to approximate it, since we do not know it.
You should know it. What's the pressure at the surface?
 
Doc Al said:
You have the ratios a bit backwards. Start with this:
P1V1/T1 = P2V2/T2


You should know it. What's the pressure at the surface?

It is one atm :)

I get the following result
V1 / V2 = 6 * 290/300
= 5.8

whrere 290 kelvins is 17 celsius and 300 kelvins is 27 celsius.

Taking inverse

V2 / V1 = 0.17
where V2 is the volume at the surface.

Both answers seem to be wrong: I cannot get 6.2.
I have likely ignored some small volume.
 
Are you sure it's not 6*300/290 ?
 
soopo said:
It is one atm :)
Good. :wink:

I get the following result
V1 / V2 = 6 * 290/300
= 5.8
Once again, you're flipping things around somehow.

Start with this:
(P1V1)/T1 = (P2V2)/T2

Then solve for V1.
 
LowlyPion said:
Are you sure it's not 6*300/290 ?

I finally got the right answer.

V1 = P2 V2 T1 / T2 P1

= 6 * 30 / 29
= 6.2

Thank you for your answers!
 

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