To calculate the work done by the piston, we can use the formula:
Work = -Pext * ΔV
Where:
Work is the work done (in joules),
Pext is the external pressure (in atmospheres),
ΔV is the change in volume (in liters).
Given:
External pressure (Pext): 11.0 atm
Change in volume (ΔV): 0.570 L - 0.140 L = 0.430 L
Let's calculate the work done:
Work = -11.0 atm * 0.430 L
To convert atm to joules, we need to use the conversion factor: 1 atm = 101.325 J/L.
Work = -11.0 atm * 0.430 L * 101.325 J/L
Work = -478.06 J
Therefore, the work done by the piston is -478.06 joules. The negative sign indicates that work is done on the system (compression) rather than by the system (expansion).
