Final answer:
Calculating the work done in a chemical reaction with a volume decrease at constant pressure yields a positive work of 318.7 J, according to the sign convention of thermodynamics.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question involves calculating the pressure-volume work done in a chemical reaction where the volume decreases against a constant pressure. Work done (W) by a gas is calculated using the formula W = -PΔV, where P is the pressure and ΔV is the change in volume. Since 1 L'atm = 101.32 J, we can use this conversion factor to find work in joules. We first convert the pressure from atm to the compatible unit by multiplying by 101.32 J/L·atm, then multiply by the change in volume:
(-0.837 atm) × (1.07 L - 4.85 L) × (101.32 J/L·atm) = 318.7 J. As the volume decreases, the work is considered positive according to the sign convention of thermodynamics.