Final answer:
The work done on the gas as it is cooled and its volume decreases is -1.6×10⁵ Joules, indicating that work is done on the gas during compression.
Step-by-step explanation:
The work performed by a gas during expansion or compression at a constant pressure can be calculated using the formula Work = Pressure × Change in Volume. Given that the pressure is constant at 4.0×10⁵ Pa and the volume decreases from 1.6 m² to 1.2 m², the change in volume is 1.2 m² - 1.6 m² = -0.4 m². The negative sign indicates that the volume is decreasing, or in other words, work is being done on the gas. Therefore, the work done by the gas is:
Work = Pressure × Change in Volume
Work = 4.0×10⁵ Pa × (-0.4 m²)
Work = -1.6×10⁵ J
The result is negative, signifying that the gas is not doing work but rather work is being done on the gas as it is compressed.