As a system expands, it absorbs 52.5 J of energy in the form of heat from the surroundings. The piston is working against a pressure of 0.500 atm. The final volume of the system is 58.0 L. What was the initial volume of the system if the internal energy of the system decreased by 102.5

Vi = 0.055 m³ = 55 L

Explanation:

From first Law of Thermodynamics, we know that:

ΔQ = ΔU + W

where,

ΔQ = Heat absorbed by the system = 52.5 J

ΔU = Change in Internal Energy = -102.5 J (negative sign shows decrease in internal energy of the system)

W = Work Done in Expansion by the system = ?

Therefore,

52.5 J = - 102.5 J + W

W = 52.5 J + 102.5 J

W = 155 J

Now, the work done in a constant pressure condition is given by:

W = PΔV

W = P(Vf - Vi)

where,

P = Constant Pressure = (0.5 atm)(101325 Pa/1 atm) = 50662.5 Pa

Vf = Final Volume of System = (58 L)(0.001 m³/1 L) = 0.058 m³

Vi = Initial Volume of System = ?

Therefore,

155 J = (50662.5 Pa)(0.058 m³ - Vi)

Vi = 0.058 m³ - 155 J/50662.5 Pa

Vi = 0.058 m³ - 0.003 m³

Vi = 0.055 m³ = 55 L