An expansion process on an ideal diatomic gas has a linear path between the initial and final states on a pV diagram. The initial pressure is 300 kPa, the initial volume is 0.060 m³, and the initial temperature is 390 K. The ideal gas constant is R = 8.314 J/mol ∙ K. The final pressure is 150 kPa and the final temperature is 260K. The work done by the gas is closest to A) 4500 J. B) 2300 J. C) 3400 J. D) 5600 J. E) 6800 J.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The work done by the gas is given by the area under the curve on a pV diagram. Since the path is linear, the area is a trapezoid with bases of 300 kPa and 150 kPa and height of 0.060 m3. Therefore, the work done is:W = (1/2) * (300 kPa + 150 kPa) * 0.060 m3 = 4500 J

An Expansion Process on an Ideal Diatomic Gas Has a Linear