2. Determine the slope of the line and record its value here. Be sure to include the units for this slope value. The slope looks correct but what are its units? 6. Is the volume of air proportional to its temperature?
You can see the general relationship that as T decreases, the volume decreases also. They are using the word "proportional" rather loosely here, but clearly there is a relationship between the temperature of the gas and its volume. If the volume is directly proportional to the temperature, then you would have a relationship V = CT, where C is a constant. Then if you double the temperature, the volume will double also. If you triple the temperature, the volume will triple. If you halve the temperature, the volume will be 1/2 its previous value as well. This is normally what we mean by "proportional." A graph of V vs. T would give a straight line with a y-intercept of zero. So, check out your graph. If you double the temperature, does the volume likewise double? If so, then the volume is directly proportional to the temperature. Or, does your data fit a slightly different relationship; does your graph fit the y = mx + b formula of a straight line? Using V for y and T for x, the relationship in this case is V = mT + b, where m is the slope and b is the y-intercept. In this case, V is not directly proportional to T. If have this kind of relationship, pick a V and T value and calculate b. Then, just for the fun of it, use the V = mT + b formula with your values of m and b to calculate T when V = 0. You will get a pleasant surprise.  Steve |
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