Question

Consider these scenarios and state whether work is done by the system on the environment (SE) or by the environment on the system (ES): (a) opening a carbonated beverage; (b) filling a flat tire; (c) a sealed empty gas can expands on a hot day, bowing out the walls.

(a) SE, ES, SE
(b) ES, SE, SE
(c) SE, SE, ES
(d) ES, ES, SE

Answer 1

In scenario (a) work is done by the environment on the system, in scenario (b) work is done by the system on the environment, and in scenario (c) work is done by the environment on the system.

Step-by-step explanation:

The scenarios can be categorized as follows:

1. (a) Opening a carbonated beverage: Work is done by the environment on the system (ES) because when the beverage is opened, the pressure inside the bottle decreases, allowing the gas to escape into the surrounding environment.
2. (b) Filling a flat tire: Work is done by the system on the environment (SE) because the air compressor pumps air into the tire, increasing the pressure inside the tire.
3. (c) A sealed empty gas can expands on a hot day, bowing out the walls: Work is done by the environment on the system (ES) because the increase in temperature causes the gas molecules inside the can to move faster and exert pressure on the walls, resulting in the expansion of the can.