Question

As a system increases in volume, it absorbs 56.0 J of energy in the form of heat from the surroundings. The piston is working against a pressure of 0.593 atm. The final volume of the system is 55.9 L. What was the initial volume of the system if the internal energy of the system decreased by 100.4 J?

Answer 1

E     =   q + w

E   = -100.4J

q = 56J

E     =   q + w

-100.4   = 56 + w

w     = -100.4-56

w     = -156.4J

w    = -pV

- 156.4j =-0.593*(55.9-V)*101.3J                                        [ L-atm= J]

55.9-V    = 156.4/0.593*101.3

55.9-V    =2.6035

   -V     = 2.6035-55.9

V       = 53.3L