What happens to the pressure of a gas when its volume is increased and temperature is decreased simultaneously?

The pressure of a gas when its volume is increased and temperature is decreased simultaneously is influenced by the interplay of these two variables, according to the ideal gas law (PV = nRT). When the volume of a gas increases, this typically leads to a decrease in pressure, as there is more space for the gas molecules to occupy, allowing them to spread out more. Conversely, when the temperature decreases, the kinetic energy of the gas molecules also decreases, which generally reduces the pressure as the molecules collide less forcefully with the walls of the container.

However, the overall effect on pressure depends on how much the volume is increased versus how much the temperature is decreased. If the increase in volume is significant while the decrease in temperature is minimal, the pressure may still drop overall. Conversely, if the decrease in temperature is substantial but the gas’s volume is not changed drastically, the pressure may decrease as well. Thus, the relationship is not straightforward; it depends on the relative magnitudes of the changes in volume and temperature.

This complexity is why the correct answer reflects that the pressure depends on the extent of changes in volume and temperature rather than always increasing, always decreasing, or remaining constant. Each scenario can yield different outcomes based on the specific conditions provided.