Chemistry- Calorimetry

Question

A sample of gas is placed into an enclosed cylinder and fitted with a movable piston. Calculate the work (in joules) done on the gas if it is compressed from 11.32 L to 1.16 L with a pressure of 3.77 atm.  J with 3 sig figs

Answer 1

The equation we can use is...

w = -P∆V

w = work = ?

P = pressure in atm = 3.77 atm

∆V = change in volume in L = 1.16 L - 11.32 L = -10.16 L

Plugging in these values, and solving for w, we have...

w = -(3.77 atm)(-10.16 L) = + 30.30 L-atm

Convert to joules:

30.30 Latm x 101.325 J / Latm = 3070 J (3 sig. figs.). Positive b/c work is being done ON the system.