I. On the change of pressure and volume produced by chemical combination

Abstract

1. A singular question has arisen in the study of the gaseous com­binations, viz. can the pressure be diminished in consequence of a reac­tion, at the moment it is accomplished, at constant volume, without loss of heat, so that the phenomenon of explosion comes from the excess of atmospheric pressure upon the inner pressure of the system, instead of coming from the inverse excess of the inner pressure ? The discussion of this question, however special it appears at first sight, leads to general notions concerning chemical combination. 2. The pressure depends upon the temperature evolved, and upon the state of condensation of the products. Let us determine this quantity.