Anesthesia Technologist Practice Exam

What does Gay-Lussac's law state regarding the relationship between gas pressure and temperature?

1. The pressure of a gas varies directly with its volume

2. The density of a gas varies with its temperature

3. The absolute pressure of a gas varies directly with the absolute temperature

4. The volume of a gas remains constant when temperature changes

The correct answer is: The absolute pressure of a gas varies directly with the absolute temperature

Gay-Lussac's law specifically describes how the absolute pressure of a gas is directly proportional to its absolute temperature when the volume is held constant. This means that as the temperature of a gas increases, so does its pressure, assuming that the amount of gas and the volume it occupies do not change. This law is fundamental in understanding how gases behave under varying thermal conditions, especially in the context of anesthesia and the equipment used in the operating room. In practical situations, such as using gas cylinders, an increase in temperature can result in an increase in pressure, posing a risk for equipment failure if not managed properly. This principle is essential for ensuring safety and accuracy when administering anesthetic gases during surgical procedures. The other choices do not accurately reflect the relationship defined by Gay-Lussac's law. For instance, the relationship between gas pressure and volume described in the first choice pertains more to Boyle's law, rather than Gay-Lussac's law, establishing a clear distinction between these fundamental gas laws.