A system contracts from an initial volume of 15.0 L to a final volume of 10.0 L under a constant external pressure of 0.800 atm. The value of w, in J, is

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The work done by the system can be calculated using the formula:
w = -PΔV
where P is the external pressure and ΔV is the change in volume of the system.
Substituting the given values,
w = -(0.800 atm) x (15.0 L - 10.0 L)
w = -4.0 L·atm
To convert L·atm to J, we use the conversion factor 1 L·atm = 101.325 J,
w = -4.0 L·atm x (101.325 J/L·atm)
w = -405 J
Therefore, the answer is (D) 405 J.

A System Contracts from an Initial Volume of 15