What does the formula (p1)(V2)/(T1)(n1) = (p2)(V2)/(T2)(n2) illustrate?

The formula (p1)(V2)/(T1)(n1) = (p2)(V2)/(T2)(n2) illustrates the relationship between the states of a gas under different conditions, specifically how pressure (p), volume (V), temperature (T), and the number of moles (n) of a gas interact. This expression is derived from the ideal gas law, which states that for a given amount of gas, the relationship between pressure, volume, and temperature can be described as PV = nRT.

In the formula, the changes in the states of the gas are examined as the pressure, volume, and temperature adjust while the amount of gas (n) remains constant. This demonstrates how a gas behaves ideally when its state parameters change. Such behavior is an essential concept in thermodynamics and physical chemistry, making the understanding of gas laws fundamental to these fields.

The ideal gas behavior during changing conditions highlights that under certain assumptions (like high temperature and low pressure), gases tend to follow these relationships closely, allowing scientists and engineers to predict how a gas will react in different situations.