A gas is compressed from an initial volume of 5.75 L to a final volume of 1.23 L by an external pressure of 1.00 atm. During the compression the gas releases 128 J of heat. What is the change in internal energy of the gas

The internal energy change is 330.01 J

Explanation:

Given

the initial volume = 5.75 L

the final volume = 1.23 L

is the external pressure = 1.00 atm

q the heat energy removed = -128 J (since is removed from the system)

expansion against a constant external pressure is an example of an irreversible pathway, here pressure in is greater than pressure out and can be obtained thus;

W = -ΔV

W = -1.00 x(1.23 - 5.75)

W =  -1.00 x -4.52

W = 4.52 L atm

converting to joules we have

W = 4.52 L atm x 101.33 J/ L atm = 458.01 J

The internal energy change during compression can be calculated thus;

ΔU = q + W

ΔU = -128 J + 458.01 J

ΔU = 330.01 J

Therefore the internal energy change is 330.01 J