Question

Consider an ideal gas enclosed in a 1.00 L container at an internal pressure of 18.0 atm. Calculate the work, w , if the gas expands against a constant external pressure of 1.00 atm to a final volume of 18.0 L.

Answer 1

-32821.2 J (negative sign implies that work is done by the system)

Step-by-step explanation:

The expression for the calculation of work done is shown below as:

`w=-P* \Delta V`

Where, P is the pressure

`\Delta V` is the change in volume

From the question,

`\Delta V` = 18.0 - 1.00 L = 18.0 L

P = 18.0 atm

`w=-18.0*18.0\ atmL`

Also, 1 atmL = 101.3 J

So,

`w=-18.0* 18.0* 101.3\ J=-32821.2\ J` (negative sign implies that work is done by the system)