When a gas is compressed in a cylinder fitted with a piston, the work done is 526 j. at the same time, 260. j of heat is released to the surroundings. (a) is this process endothermic or exothermic? endothermic exothermic (b) calculate the change in the internal energy of the system and state whether the internal energy has increased or decreased.

a) Exothermic reaction.

b) Internal energy of system will increased.

Explanation:

Given that

Work done on the gas = 526 J

Heat released from cylinder = 260 J

We know that when heat is released then it is called exothermic reaction and when heat is  absorbed then it is called endothermic reaction .

So here heat is released so it is exothermic reaction.

From first law of thermodynamics

Q= ΔU +W

Heat is released so it will be taken as negative sign and also work is done on the system so it will be taken as negative sign.

Q= ΔU +W

- 260 = ΔU  - 526

ΔU = 266 J

So we can say that internal energy of system will increased.

e) none of the above answers are correct

d. air pressure decreases as altitude increases.