Final answer:
The work done by the gas during an adiabatic expansion can be calculated with the formula W = p0V0[(V1/V0)^(1-γ) - 1] / (1-γ), and the change in internal energy of the gas is ΔU = -W.
Step-by-step explanation:
In an adiabatic expansion, the work done by the gas (W) can be calculated using the expression W = -(1/(γ-1))(p1V1 - p0V0), where γ (gamma) is the ratio of heat capacities (for a diatomic ideal gas, γ = 7/5), V0 and V1 are the initial and final volumes respectively, and p0 is the initial pressure. Since p(V) is already given, p1 can be obtained by substituting V1 into the p(V) equation. Plugging in these values, the work done by the gas during the adiabatic expansion from volume V0 to V1 is W = p0V0[(V1/V0)^(1-γ) - 1] / (1-γ).
In the case of the change in internal energy (ΔU), we utilize the first law of thermodynamics which states ΔU = Q - W, and for an adiabatic process Q = 0. Therefore, ΔU = -W. Hence, the change in internal energy of the gas during the adiabatic expansion is ΔU = -W = (1/(γ-1))(p1V1 - p0V0).