Calculate the work for the expansion of an ideal gas from 2.6 to 6.0 L against a pressure of 2.0 atm at constant temperature.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The work done by the gas during expansion can be calculated using the formula $W = -P\Delta V$, where $P$ is the external pressure and $\Delta V$ is the change in volume. Here, $\Delta V = 6.0\,L - 2.6\,L = 3.4\,L$ and $P = 2.0\,atm$, so $W = -2.0\,atm \times 3.4\,L = -6.8\,L\cdot atm$. The work is negative because the gas does work on the surroundings during expansion.

Calculate the Work for the Expansion of an Ideal Gas