The work done by a gas when it expands to 96 L is 4,100 J. If the external pressure is 2.0 atm, determine the initial volume of the gas.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The work done by the gas is given by W = PΔV, where P is the pressure and ΔV is the change in volume. Convert pressure from atm to J/L (1 atm = 101.3 J/L), so 2.0 atm = 202.6 J/L. Rearrange the formula to find the initial volume: ΔV = W/P = 4100 J / 202.6 J/L = 20.23 L. Since the final volume is 96 L, the initial volume is 96 L - 20.23 L = 75.77 L, which rounds to 76 L.

The Work Done by a Gas When It Expands to 96