Question

Consider an ideal gas enclosed in a 1.00 L container at an internal pressure of 10.0 atm. 

a. Calculate the work, w, if the gas expands against a constant external pressure of 1.00 atm to a final volume of 10.0 L.

Now calculate the work done if this process is carried out in two steps.

b. First, let the gas expand against a constant external pressure of 5.00 atm to a volume of 2.00 L.

c. From there, let the gas expand to 10.0 L against a constant external pressure of 1.00 atm.