Explanation:
- For path A, the calculation will be as follows.
As, for reversible isothermal expansion the formula is as follows.
W = ![-2.303 nRT log(\frac{V_2}{V_1})](https://tex.z-dn.net/?f=-2.303%20nRT%20log%28%5Cfrac%7BV_2%7D%7BV_1%7D%29)
Since, we are not given the number of moles here. Therefore, we assume the number of moles, n = 1 mol.
As the given data is as follows.
R = 8.314 J/(K mol), T = 298 K ,
= 8.34 L,
= 2.67 L
Now, putting the given values into the above formula as follows.
W = ![-2.303 nRT log(\frac{V_2}{V_1})](https://tex.z-dn.net/?f=-2.303%20nRT%20log%28%5Cfrac%7BV_2%7D%7BV_1%7D%29)
= ![-2.303 \times 1 \times 8.314 J/K mol \times 298 log(\frac{8.34}{2.67})](https://tex.z-dn.net/?f=-2.303%20%5Ctimes%201%20%5Ctimes%208.314%20J%2FK%20mol%20%5Ctimes%20298%20log%28%5Cfrac%7B8.34%7D%7B2.67%7D%29)
= ![-2.303 \times 1 \times 8.314 J/K mol \times 298 \times 0.494](https://tex.z-dn.net/?f=-2.303%20%5Ctimes%201%20%5Ctimes%208.314%20J%2FK%20mol%20%5Ctimes%20298%20%5Ctimes%200.494)
= -2818.68 J
Hence, work for path A is -2818.68 J.
- For path B, the calculation will be as follows.
Step 1: When there is no change in volume then W = 0
Hence, for step 1, W = 0
Step 2: As, the gas is allowed to expand against constant external pressure
= 1.00 atm.
So, W = ![-P_{external} \times \Delta V](https://tex.z-dn.net/?f=-P_%7Bexternal%7D%20%5Ctimes%20%5CDelta%20V)
Now, putting the given values into the above formula as follows.
W = ![-P_{external} \times \Delta V](https://tex.z-dn.net/?f=-P_%7Bexternal%7D%20%5Ctimes%20%5CDelta%20V)
=
= -5.67 atm L
As we known that, 1 atm L = 101.33 J
Hence, work will be calculated as follows.
W =
= -574.54 J
Therefore, total work done by path B = 0 + (-574.54 J)
W = -574.54 J
Hence, work for path B is -574.54 J.