How does increasing pressure affect the volume of a gas, assuming temperature is constant?

When considering the behavior of gases, one key principle is described by Boyle's Law, which states that for a given quantity of gas at constant temperature, the volume of the gas is inversely proportional to the pressure exerted on it. This means that as pressure increases, the volume of the gas decreases, assuming no change in temperature or amount of gas.

In practical terms, when you increase the pressure on a gas (for instance, by compressing it in a container), the gas particles are pushed closer together, leading to a reduction in volume. This relationship is critical in many applications, including understanding processes in engines, refrigeration, and even breathing mechanisms in living organisms.

Thus, increased pressure causes the gas molecules to occupy a smaller volume while maintaining the same temperature, confirming that the correct answer reflects this inverse relationship.