Question

A system consists of a gas in an enclosed cylinder attached to a movable piston. The system is initially at 63 L and then is compressed to 31 liters. Determine the sign of work. Will it be a negative or positive

Answer 1

The sign of work will be negative.

Step-by-step explanation:

The work of the system is given by:

`W = _{V_(i)}^{V_(f)}\int pdV = p(V_(f) - V_(i))`

Where:

`V_(f)`: is the final volume = 31 L

`V_(i)`: is the initial volume = 63 L

p: is the pressure

Even though we do not have the pressure value, by knowing the values of the initial and final volume we can predict the sign of work.

`W = p(V_(f) - V_(i)) = p(31 L - 63 L) = -32p`

Therefore, the sign of work will be negative.

I hope it helps you!