An ideal gas is a hypothetical gas whose pressure - volume - temperature behavior can be completely accounted for by the ideal gas equation (General gas equation). The molecules of an ideal gas do not attract or repel one another, and their volume is negligible compared with the volume of the container. Experiments show that under the STP conditions, one mole of an ideal gas occupies a volume of 22.4dm3.A tin can is sealed at a pressure of 100mmHg. If the can is taken to STP, the can may:

Correct answer: B. Collapse

A. Explode
B. Collapse
C. Get larger
D. Get chilled

Explanation

When the tin can is moved to standard temperature and pressure (STP), the external atmospheric pressure becomes 760 mmHg. Initially, the internal pressure is only 100 mmHg. This significant pressure difference means that the external pressure is much higher than the internal pressure, causing the can to collapse as it tries to equalize the pressure. Option B is correct because collapsing is a result of a higher external pressure compared to the internal pressure. Option A is incorrect because the can cannot explode with a lower internal pressure. Option C is incorrect because getting larger would require a higher internal pressure than external, which is not the case. Option D is incorrect as the transition to STP does not imply significant cooling that would affect the can.

Last updated 3 September 2026

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