When a balloon filled with air is placed into a freezer, which of the following best describes what will happen to the balloon?

• A. The volume of the balloon will decrease as the gas inside contracts.
• B. The volume of the balloon will increase as the gas inside expands.
• C. The balloon will burst due to increased internal pressure.
• D. The mass of the gas inside the balloon will decrease.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall the relationship between temperature and volume for a gas at constant pressure, described by Charles's Law: \(\frac{V_1}{T_1} = \frac{V_2}{T_2}\), where \(V\) is volume and \(T\) is temperature in Kelvin.
2. Understand that when the balloon is placed in the freezer, the temperature of the gas inside decreases (\(T_2 < T_1\)).
3. Since the pressure is approximately constant (the balloon can expand or contract), a decrease in temperature leads to a proportional decrease in volume according to Charles's Law.
4. Recognize that the gas molecules move slower and occupy less space at lower temperatures, causing the balloon to shrink or decrease in volume.
5. Note that the mass of the gas inside the balloon remains constant because no gas escapes or is added, and the balloon will not burst due to decreased pressure inside.