Which law states that volume and pressure are inversely proportional at constant temperature?

Prepare for the Introduction to Respiratory Care Test. Study with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each offering hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Boyle's Law is the principle that establishes the relationship between the pressure and volume of a gas at a constant temperature. According to this law, when the temperature remains unchanged, the volume of a gas decreases as the pressure increases, and vice versa. This inverse relationship can be mathematically expressed as (P \times V = k), where (P) is pressure, (V) is volume, and (k) is a constant for a given amount of gas at a specific temperature.

This law is fundamental in respiratory care, as it helps in understanding how the lungs expand and contract during breathing. When the diaphragm contracts, it increases the volume of the thoracic cavity, which leads to a decrease in pressure relative to the outside atmosphere, causing air to rush into the lungs. Conversely, when the diaphragm relaxes, the volume decreases, and pressure increases, pushing air out.

In contrast, other laws mentioned do not relate to the inverse relationship of volume and pressure at constant temperature. Charles' Law, for instance, focuses on the direct relationship between volume and temperature while holding pressure constant. Gauss's Law pertains to electric fields, and Dalton's Law deals with the partial pressures of gases in a mixture, neither of which apply

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