Two flasks have the same gas at the same initial temperature T and pressure P. T

Question

Two flasks have the same gas at the same initial temperature T and pressure P. The volume V1 of the flask #1 is much bigger than the volume V2 of the second flask (V1>V2). The flasks are connected by a narrow glass tube which has a drop of liquid mercury. Because the pressure in each flask is the same, the drop of mercury is at equilibrium exactly in the middle of the glass tube. Would the drop of mercury move to either side if both flasks were heated up to the same higher temperature Thigher? The volume of the glass tube is neglibly small in comparison to the flask volumes. Therefore, the position of the mercury drop simple serves as an indicator of the pressure difference btwn flask #1 and 2.

Will the drop of mercury move to flask 1, flask 2, or stay at the center?

Explanation / Answer

since the flask V2 has got lower volume and both are heated to some high temperature Thigher

from P1V1/T1= P2V2/T2

T1=T2= Thigher

P1V1= P2V2

P2/P1= V1/V2 and V1>V2

P2/P1 >0

P2>P1 so flow takes place from tank2 to tank1 and hence Mercury moves to flask

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