Question

How much work (in J) is involved in a chemical reaction if the volume decreases from 5.35 to 1.55 L against a constant pressure of 0.829 atm?

Answer 1

Answer:- work = 319 J

Solution:- The volume of the gas decreases from 5.35 L to 1.55 L.

`\Delta V=1.55L-5.35L` = -3.80 L

external pressure is given as 0.829 atm.

`w=-P_e_x_t\Delta V`

where w is representing work.

Let's plug in the values and calculate pressure-volume work:

`w=-0.829atm(-3.80L)`

w = 3.15 atm.L

We need to convert atm.L to J.

1 atm.L = 101.325 J

So,
`3.15atm.L((101.325J)/(1atm.L))`

= 319 J

So, 319 J of work is involved in a chemical reaction. Positive work means the work is done on the system.