Final answer:
The first law of thermodynamics states that the change in internal energy of an ideal gas can be calculated by subtracting the work done by the system from the heat added to the system. In this case, the work done by the gas is 20.0 J.
Step-by-step explanation:
The total change in the internal energy (ΔU) of an ideal gas can be calculated using the first law of thermodynamics, which states that ΔU = Q - W, where ΔU is the change in internal energy, Q is the heat added to the system, and W is the work done by the system. In this case, the work done by the gas is 20.0 J. Since the work done is positive, it means that the gas has expanded. Therefore, the value of W is positive and equal to 20.0 J.