Question

Calculate the work for the expansion of an ideal gas from 2.0 L to 5.0 L against a pressure of 2.0 atm at constant temperature.

A. -6.0L atm
B. 3.0 L atm
C. 0 L atm
D. -3.0 L atm
E. 6.0 L atm

Answer 1

The work done by an ideal gas expanding from 2.0 L to 5.0 L against a pressure of 2.0 atm at constant temperature is -6.0 L·atm, which is answer choice A.

Step-by-step explanation:

The student asked to calculate the work for the expansion of an ideal gas from 2.0 L to 5.0 L against a pressure of 2.0 atm at constant temperature. To find the work done by the gas, we use the formula for work in a constant pressure process, which is:

W = -P ΔV

Where:

• W is the work done on the gas (the negative sign indicates work done by the gas)
• P is the external pressure
• ΔV is the change in volume

Using the values given, we calculate:

W = -(2.0 atm) × (5.0 L - 2.0 L)

W = -(2.0 atm) × (3.0 L)

W = -6.0 L·atm

The work done by the gas is -6.0 L·atm, which corresponds to answer choice A.