A liquid initially at 1 atm is compressed to 5 atm and its volume decreases by 0.8 cm³. Its bulk modulus is 2 GPa. Take 1 atm = 10⁵ Pa. Find the initial volume in litres.

Question

G1 Physics · Accepted Answer

Bulk modulus is B = -ΔP/(ΔV/V). Therefore, V = -BΔV/ΔP. Pressure increase: ΔP = (5-1) atm = 4×10⁵ Pa. Volume change: ΔV = -0.8 cm³ = -0.8×10⁻⁶ m³. Given B = 2×10⁹ Pa. Thus, V = -(2×10⁹)(-0.8×10⁻⁶)/(4×10⁵) = 4×10⁻³ m³. Since 1 m³ = 1000 L, V = 4 L. Answer: 4.