Question

(a) An ideal gas, initially at a volume of 2.66667 L and pressure of 6 kPa, undergoes isothermal expansion until its volume is 8 L and its pressure is 2 kPa. Calculate the work done by the gas during this process. Answer in units of J.

(b) Find the heat added to the gas during this
process. Answer in units of J

Answer 1

The work done by the gas during the isothermal expansion is approximately 16 J. The heat added to the gas during the process is also approximately 16 J.

Step-by-step explanation:

(a) To calculate the work done by the gas during an isothermal expansion, we can use the formula:
Work = Pressure × Change in Volume
Since the gas pressure remains constant during an isothermal process, the work done by the gas is given by:
Work = Pressure × (Final Volume - Initial Volume)
Using the given values, the work done by the gas is:
Work = (6 kPa) × (8 L - 2.66667 L)
Work ≈ 15.99998 J

(b) To find the heat added to the gas during the process, we can use the First Law of Thermodynamics:
Heat added = Change in Internal Energy + Work Done
Since the process is isothermal, the change in internal energy is zero. Therefore, the heat added to the gas is equal to the work done by the gas:
Heat added ≈ 15.99998 J.