Calculate the work,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
A)-5.3 kJ
B)-3.0 kJ
C)+3.0 kJ
D)+5.3 kJ

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

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 is done by the system.

Calculate the Work,w,gained or Lost by the System When a Gas