A gas expands at constant temperature from an initial volume of 0.040 m³ and an initial pressure of 210 kPa until its pressure drops to 135 kPa. How much work is done by the system? A) 3.0 kJ B) 3.7 kJ C) 4.1 kJ D) 5.6 kJ E) 7.9 kJ

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The work done by the system during an isothermal process is given by the equation:
W = -nRT(ln(V2/V1))
Where n is the number of moles of gas, R is the gas constant, T is the temperature, V1 is the initial volume, and V2 is the final volume.
Since the temperature is constant, we can simplify the equation:
W = -nRT(ln(P2/P1))
Where P1 is the initial pressure, and P2 is the final pressure.
Substituting the given values:
W = -(1 mol)(8.31 J/mol*K)(300 K)(ln(135 kPa/210 kPa))
W = 3.7 kJ (rounded to one decimal place)

Therefore, the best answer choice is B.

A Gas Expands at Constant Temperature from an Initial Volume