In: Chemistry
A gas confined in a piston-cylinder arrangement occupies 0.5 liters (Vi) at 4 atm (Pi) and 278 K (Ti). From this initial state the gas is allowed to expand against the surrounding atmosphere which is at a constant pressure of 1 atm (Patm) and a temperature of 278 K. At equilibrium, the gas’s final volume (Vf) is 2 liters and its final temperature (Tf) is 278 K. The initial and final states are indicated in the figure below.
a. In going from its initial to final state, did the gas do work on the atmosphere or did the atmosphere do work on the gas?
b. Calculate the work (w) and report t with the appropriate sign according to the convention presented in the text
c. If the surroundings transferred 100 joules of thermal energy to the system in going from its initial state to its final state, what is the change in internal energy (∆U) of the gas
d. Is the system open, closed, or isolated
e. What is the change in energy of the surroundings (∆Usurr)