Certified Flight Registered Nurse (CFRN) Practice Exam

What does Gay-Lussac's law describe in relation to oxygen tanks?

1. Pressure increases with low temperatures

2. Pressure decreases when volume decreases

3. Pressure decreases as temperature drops

4. Pressure remains constant regardless of temperature

The correct answer is: Pressure decreases as temperature drops

Gay-Lussac's law states that the 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, and conversely, as the temperature decreases, the pressure also decreases, assuming the volume does not change. In the context of oxygen tanks, this principle is crucial. For instance, if an oxygen tank is exposed to lower temperatures, the kinetic energy of the gas molecules within the tank decreases, leading to a drop in pressure. This phenomenon is particularly important for ensuring the safe and effective operation of oxygen tanks in various environments. Understanding this relationship helps ensure that healthcare providers manage oxygen supply effectively, especially in critical situations, as pressure changes can affect the availability of oxygen for patients.