alleryStart learning →A gas held at a constant pressure of 20 Pa expands, increasing its volume by 3.0 cubic metres. How much work does the gas do on its surroundings?
A6.7 J
B17 J
C23 J
D60 J
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: D. 60 J
1. Pressure-volume work at constant pressure is W = PΔV.
2. Substitute P = 20 Pa and ΔV = 3.0 cubic metres.
3. Multiply: W = 20 x 3.0 = 60 J.
4. 6.7 J would come from dividing instead of multiplying, and 17 J and 23 J do not match this calculation.
5. So 60 J is correct.
_Source: OpenStax Physics (CC BY 4.0), Ch 12 "Thermodynamics", section 12.2 First law of Thermodynamics: Thermal Energy and Work_
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