Final answer:
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.