what is the answer?

Question

Consider an ideal gas enclosed in a 1.00 L container at an internal pressure of 18.0 atm. 

Calculate the work, 𝑤, if the gas expands against a constant external pressure of 1.00 atm to a final volume of 18.0 L.

𝑤=

Now calculate the work done if this process is carried out in two steps. 

1. First, let the gas expand against a constant external pressure of 1.80 atm to a volume of 10.0 L.
2. From the end point of step 1, let the gas expand to 18.0 L against a constant external pressure of 1.00 atm.

𝑤=

Answer 1

For a gas expanding against a constant pressure

w = -P∆V

w = work = ?

P = pressure in atm = 1.00 atm

∆V = change in volume in liters = 18.0 L - 1.00 L = 17.00 L

w = -(1.00 atm)(17.00 L) = - 17.00 Latm

Converting this to joules or kilojoules, we have...

-17.00 Latm x 101.325 J / Latm = -1723 J

Do the other part the same way using the 2 steps described.