Question

Calculate the work, w, gained or lost by the system when a gas expands from 15 L to 45 L against a constant external pressure of 1.5 atm. 1 L × atm = 101 J.

Answer 1

Answer:

Work done by the system = 4545 J

Explanation:

The expression for the calculation of work done is shown below as:

$w=-P\times \Delta V$

Where, P is the pressure

$\Delta V$ is the change in volume

From the question,  

$\Delta V$ = 45 - 15 L = 30 L

P = 1.5 atm

$w=-1.5\times 30\ atmL$

Also, 1 atmL = 101 J

So,  

$w=-1.0\times0.75\times 101\ J=-4545\ J$ (negative sign implies work is done by the system)

Work done by the system = 4545 J