Question

During the time 0.305 mol of an ideal gas undergoes an isothermal compression at 22.0o C, and 468 J of work is done on it by the surroundings.

a. If the final pressure is 1.76 atm., what was the initial pressure?
b. Sketch a p-V diagram for the process.

Answer 1

The initial pressure can be calculated using the formula P1V1 = P2V2. The p-V diagram for the isothermal compression will show a curving line decreasing from left to right.

Step-by-step explanation:

In an isothermal compression, the final pressure and initial pressure of the gas are related by the formula:

P1V1 = P2V2

Given that the final pressure (P2) is 1.76 atm and the number of moles (n) is 0.305 mol, we can rearrange the equation to solve for the initial pressure (P1):

P1V1 = P2V2

P1 = (P2V2) / V1

Substituting the given values, we get:

P1 = (1.76 atm * 0.305 mol) / V1

You will need to provide the initial volume (V1) in order to calculate the initial pressure.

Regarding the p-V diagram, in an isothermal compression, the graph will show a curving line decreasing from left to right, indicating that both volume and pressure are changing.

Keywords: isothermal compression, pressure, volume, ideal gas, work, p-V diagram