Boyle's Law: Inverse Pressure-Volume Relationship

Steps:

• Identify the law: For fixed mass of gas at constant temperature, Boyle's law states PV = constant.
• Determine relationship: Pressure (P) is inversely proportional to volume (V), so P = k/V.
• Predict graph shape: Plotting P versus V yields a hyperbolic curve decreasing from high P/low V to low P/high V.
• Match to options: Select the graph showing this inverse curve.

Why C is correct:

• Option C depicts a hyperbolic curve where P decreases as V increases, matching Boyle's law formula PV = k.

Why the others are wrong:

• A shows a positive linear relationship, implying direct proportion, which violates inverse proportionality.
• B shows a negative linear relationship, suggesting constant slope rather than hyperbolic decay.
• D shows direct proportionality or no clear inverse, inconsistent with PV = constant.

Final answer: C