Question

Gas in a container is at a pressure of 2.0 atm and a volume of 1.0 m3.

(a) What is the work done on the gas if it expands at constant pressure to twice its initial volume?

(b) What is the work done on the gas if it is compressed at constant pressure to one-quarter of its initial volume?

Answer 1

Pressure p = 2.0 atm = 202650 Pa
(a)
In constant pressure Process,
Work done , W = p* ΔV
ΔV = Vfinal - Vinitial

W = 202650 Pa * (2.0 - 1.0) m^3
W = 2.026 * 10^5 J
Work done on the Gas , W = 2.026 * 10^5 J

(b)
In constant pressure Process,
Work done , W = p* ΔV
ΔV = Vfinal - Vinitial

W = 202650 Pa * (1.0/4 - 1.0) m^3
W = - 1.52 * 10^5 J
Work done on the Gas , W = - 1.52 * 10^5 J