Question:

At constant temperature, one mole of an ideal gas of volume 2L expanded to 100 L against an external pressure of 1 atm under reversible conditions. What is the work done (in J)? (1 L atm = 101.3 J; \(\log 5 = 0.7\))

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Expansion work is negative by convention because the system loses energy to the surroundings.
Updated On: Jun 9, 2026
  • -163.3
  • -793.2
  • +793.2
  • +326.6
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Concept: For a reversible isothermal expansion of an ideal gas, the work done is given by the integral of pressure with respect to volume.

Step 1: Apply the reversible work formula.
The formula for reversible isothermal work is: \[ W = -nRT \ln\left(\frac{V_2}{V_1}\right) \] Since \(PV = nRT\), we can substitute \(nRT = P_1V_1\). Assuming expansion from 1 atm at 2L: \[ W = -P_1V_1 \ln\left(\frac{V_2}{V_1}\right) \] \[ W = -(1 \text{ atm} \times 2 \text{ L}) \times 2.303 \log\left(\frac{100}{2}\right) \]

Step 2: Calculate the numerical value.
\[ W = -2 \times 2.303 \times \log(50) \] Given \(\log 5 = 0.7\), then \(\log 50 = 1 + 0.7 = 1.7\). \[ W = -2 \times 2.303 \times 1.7 = -7.83 \text{ L atm} \]

Step 3: Convert to Joules.
\[ W = -7.83 \times 101.3 \text{ J} \approx -793.2 \text{ J} \] \[ \boxed{-793.2} \]
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