A system expands from a volume of 1.00 L to 2.00 L against a constant external pressure of 1.00 atm. What is the work (w) done by the system? (1 L·atm = 101.3 J) A) 1.00 J B) 2.00 J C) 1.01 × 10² J D) 1.01 × 10⁵ J E) 3.00 J

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The work (w) done by the system can be calculated using the formula:
w = -PΔV
where P is the external pressure and ΔV is the change in volume. In this case, P = 1.00 atm and ΔV = 2.00 L - 1.00 L = 1.00 L. Therefore, 
w = -1.00 atm × 1.00 L = -1.00 L·atm

Since 1 L·atm = 101.3 J, we can convert the units to get the final answer:
w = -1.00 L·atm × (101.3 J/1 L·atm) = -101.3 J
But the question asks for the magnitude of the work done, so we take the absolute value:
|w| = |-101.3 J| = 101.3 J

Therefore, the answer is C) 1.01 × 10^2 J.

A System Expands from a Volume of 1