A gas expands in volume from 35.6 mL to 70.6 mL at constant temperature. What is the work done (in joules) if the gas expands against a constant pressure of 3.2 atm?

1 Answer
Oct 1, 2017

#W_"gas"=11.4"J"#

Explanation:

As the gas expands, the gas does work on the environment.

#W_"gas"=int_(V_i)^(V_f)"P dV"#

#=>W_"gas"=PDeltaV#

#=>color(blue)(W_"gas"=P(V_f-V_i))#

We are given:

  • #|->P=3.2" atm"=324240" Pa"#
  • #|->V_i=35.6" mL"=3.56xx10^-5" m"^3#
  • #|->V_f=70.6" mL"=7.06xx10^-5" m"^3#

Substituting these values into our equation for work:

#W_"gas"=(324240" Pa")(7.06xx10^-5" m"^3-3.56xx10^-5" m"^3)#

#=>=color(blue)(11.4"J")#