What is the magnitude of maximum work performed by the gaseous mixture before explosion? — Thermodynamics and Thermochemistry Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

$W = \frac{P_2 V_2 - P_1 V_1}{1 - \gamma} = \frac{128\text{ atm} \times 0.010\text{ L} - 1\text{ atm} \times 0.320\text{ L}}{1 - 1.4} = \frac{1.28 - 0.32}{-0.4} = \frac{0.96}{-0.4} = -2.4\text{ L-atm}$. Converting to Joules: $-2.4 \times 101.325\text{ J/L-atm} = -243.18\text{ J}$. The magnitude is $243.12\text{ J}$ (depending on exact R and conversion standard used).