Science Basics: Pressure

Introduction

Pressure Ulcers

Measurement

Blood Pressure

Units

Boyle's Law

Activity

Assessment

Resources

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Boyle's Law

The behaviour of gases is explained in a number of laws. Boyle's law states that, provided the temperature does not change, the pressure of a fixed amount of gas is inversely proportional to its volume. This means if the volume increases the pressure decrease and vice versa.

We see Boyle's law in action when we breathe. During inspiration the volume of the chest is increased and as a consequence the pressure in the lungs falls and air is drawn in. Conversely when we expire the volume of the chest is reduced, the pressure in the lungs increases and air is forced out.