Calculate the work energy,w,gained or lost by the system when a gas expands from 15 L to 35 L against a constant external pressure of 1.5 atm.[1 L ∙ atm = 101 J]

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The work done by the system is calculated using the formula w = -PΔV. Here, P = 1.5 atm and ΔV = (35 L - 15 L) = 20 L. So, w = -1.5 atm * 20 L = -30 L∙atm. Converting to joules: -30 L∙atm * 101 J/L∙atm = -3030 J = -3.0 kJ. The negative sign indicates work done by the system (energy lost).

Calculate the Work Energy,w,gained or Lost by the System When