In an experiment using the ideal gas law, what is a likely consequence if the gas flow rate is set too high?

• A. The volume of the gas will remain constant regardless of flow rate.
• B. The pressure may exceed the limits of the apparatus, causing leaks or equipment failure.
• C. The gas will behave more ideally and deviations from the ideal gas law will decrease.
• D. The temperature of the gas will automatically decrease to compensate.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the ideal gas law, which is given by the equation \(P \times V = n \times R \times T\), where \(P\) is pressure, \(V\) is volume, \(n\) is the number of moles of gas, \(R\) is the ideal gas constant, and \(T\) is temperature.
2. Recognize that increasing the gas flow rate means more gas molecules are entering the system per unit time, which can increase the number of moles \(n\) inside a fixed volume if the gas is not allowed to escape quickly enough.
3. Since volume \(V\) and temperature \(T\) are often controlled or constant in an apparatus, an increase in \(n\) will cause an increase in pressure \(P\) according to the ideal gas law.
4. Consider the physical limits of the apparatus: if the pressure \(P\) rises too much due to a high flow rate, it may exceed the design limits of the equipment, potentially causing leaks or mechanical failure.
5. Therefore, setting the gas flow rate too high can lead to dangerous pressure buildup rather than changes in volume, ideality, or temperature automatically compensating.