Calculate the work,w,gained or lost by the system when a gas expands from 15 L to 50 L against a constant external pressure of 1.5 atm.101.3 L ∙ atm = 101 J
A) -7.6 kJ
B) -5.3 kJ
C) +5.3 kJ
D) +7.6 kJ

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The work done by the gas can be calculated using the formula:

w = -PΔV

where P is the external pressure, and ΔV is the change in volume.

ΔV = 50 L - 15 L = 35 L

Substituting the given values, we get:

w = -1.5 atm x 35 L

w = -52.5 L·atm

converting into joules:

w = -52.5 L·atm x (101.3 J/L·atm)

w = -5312 J = -5.3 kJ

The negative sign indicates that work is lost by the system. Therefore, the correct answer is B.

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