chemistry, Calculate the ?E of the gas in J

Question

The work done when a gas is compressed in a cylinder is 299 J. A heat transfer of 70 J occurs from the gas to the surroundings. Calculate the ?E of the gas in J, being sure to use correct sign convention. 

Answer 1

Hi Justis,

ΔE = q + w

So, ΔE = -70J + 299J = 229J

The q is negative since the heat was lost from the gas to the surroundings while the w is positive since work was done to the gas to compress it.