What is expected when the reaction shown below takes place in a thermally-insulated container outfitted with a movable piston at a constant atmospheric pressure of 1 atm? 2 C₂H₆(g)+ 7 O₂(g)→ 4 CO₂(g)+ 6 H₂O(g) A)Volume will decrease and work will be done by the system. B)Volume will decrease and work will be done on the system. C)Volume will increase and work will be done by the system. D)Volume will increase and work will be done on the system.

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

According to Avogadro's Law, the number of moles of gases on both sides of the reaction is the same. Therefore, the total number of moles of gas in the system will increase from 9 to 10 moles, causing the volume to increase. As the reaction is exothermic, it will release heat, but since the container is thermally insulated, the heat cannot escape, so it will be absorbed by the system, and work will be done by the system to create more volume for the newly formed gas molecules. Therefore, the volume will increase and work will be done by the system.

What Is Expected When the Reaction Shown Below Takes Place