Question:

During the melting of a slab of ice at \(273K\) at atmospheric pressure

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When volume decreases, surroundings do positive work on the system.
  • Positive work is done by the ice-water system on the atmosphere
  • Positive work is done on the ice-water system by the atmosphere
  • Negative work is done on the ice-water system by the atmosphere
  • The internal energy of the ice-water system decreases
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Concept:
When ice melts into water, its volume decreases. At atmospheric pressure, a decrease in volume means surroundings do work on the system.

Step 1:
Ice has a larger volume than the same mass of water.

Step 2:
During melting: \[ \text{Ice} \rightarrow \text{Water} \]

Step 3:
Volume decreases during this process: \[ \Delta V<0 \]

Step 4:
Work done by the system is: \[ W=P\Delta V \] Since \(\Delta V<0\), work done by the system is negative.

Step 5:
Therefore, work done on the system by the atmosphere is positive. \[ \boxed{\text{Positive work is done on the ice-water system by the atmosphere}} \]
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