A gas expands from A to B as shown in the graph. Calculate the work (in joules) done by the gas. (1 atm= 1.01 *105 N/m².)

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The work done by the gas is given by the area under the curve on the PV diagram. We can approximate this area as a trapezoid by finding the average pressure and multiplying by the change in volume. The average pressure is (1.5+3)/2=2.25 atm. The change in volume is (2-1) L = 1 L. Therefore, the work done is W = P(avg) * ΔV = 2.25 atm * 1 L * 1.01x10^5 N/m^2/atm = 2.42x10^5 J = 2.42x10^6 J (since 1 J = 1 N*m). The closest answer choice is D, which is 2.42x10^6 J.

A Gas Expands from a to B as Shown in the Graph