A gas is compressed in a cylinder from a volume of 20.0 L to 2.0 L by a constant pressure of 10.0 atm.Calculate the amount of work done on the system.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The work done on the system can be calculated using the formula 
W = -PΔV 
where P is the pressure and ΔV is the change in volume (final volume - initial volume).

Substituting the given values, we get 
W = -10.0 atm x (2.0 L - 20.0 L) 
W = -10.0 atm x (-18.0 L) 
W = 180 L atm

Converting units, 
W = 180 L atm x (101.3 J/L atm)  
W = 1.81 x 10^4 J 
W = 1.81 kJ

Since the volume has decreased, the work done on the system is negative. Therefore, the best choice is C) 1.81 x 10^3 J.

A Gas Is Compressed in a Cylinder from a Volume