At constant pressure, which of these systems do work on the surroundings? A ( s ) + B ( s ) ⟶ C ( g ) A(s)+B(s)⟶C(g) 2 A ( g ) + 2 B ( g ) ⟶ 5 C ( g ) 2A(g)+2B(g)⟶5C(g) A ( g ) + B ( g ) ⟶ C ( g ) A(g)+B(g)⟶C(g) 2 A ( g ) + 2 B ( g ) ⟶ 3 C ( g )

Correct question:

At constant pressure, which of these systems do work on the surroundings?

(a) A ( s ) + B ( s ) ⟶ C ( g )

(b) 2 A ( g ) + 2 B ( g ) ⟶ 5 C ( g )

(c) A ( g ) + B ( g ) ⟶ C ( g )

(d) 2 A ( g ) + 2 B ( g ) ⟶ 3 C ( g )

(a) A ( s ) + B ( s ) ⟶ C ( g )

(b) 2 A ( g ) + 2 B ( g ) ⟶ 5 C ( g )

Explanation:

Work done by a system on the surroundings at a constant pressure is given as;

W = -PΔV

Where;

ΔV is gas expansion, that is final volume of the gas minus initial volume of the gas must be greater than zero.

Part (a)

A ( s ) + B ( s ) ⟶ C ( g )

ΔV = 1 - (0) = 1 (expansion)

Part (b)

2 A ( g ) + 2 B ( g ) ⟶ 5 C ( g )

ΔV = 5 - ( 2+ 2) = 1 (expansion)

Part (c)

A ( g ) + B ( g ) ⟶ C ( g )

ΔV = 1 - ( 1 + 1) = -1 (compression)

Part (d)

2 A ( g ) + 2 B ( g ) ⟶ 3 C ( g )

ΔV = 3 - ( 4) = -1 (compression)

Thus, systems where there is gas expansion are in part (a) and part (b). The correct answers are:

(a) A ( s ) + B ( s ) ⟶ C ( g )

(b) 2 A ( g ) + 2 B ( g ) ⟶ 5 C ( g )