a) A piston expands against an external pressure of 2.35 atmospheres (atm). If the initial volume is 0.455 L and the final volume is 1.318 L, then how much work (in J) is done? Assume adiabatic conditions.

-205.49Joules

Explanation:

An adiabatic condition means no heat is gain or loss by the system during process.

The formula for calculating work done on the piston under adiabatic condition is W = - P∆V where;

W is the work done on the piston

P is the external pressure = 2.35atm

Since 1atm = 101,325pascal

2.35atm = 2.35*101325

= 238113.75Pascal

∆V is the change in volume = final volume - initial volume = 1.318L - 0.455L = 0.863L

If 1litre = 0.001m³

0.863litre = 0.000863m³

Substituting this values in the formula for calculating work done we will have;

Work done = - 238113.7 (0.000863)

Work done = - 205.49Joules

The work done is negative because they assume the system is adiabatic i. e work is done on the surroundings by the system.