When a fuel is burned in a cylinder fitted with a piston, the volume expands from an initial value of 0.250 L against an external pressure of 2.00 atm. The expansion does 288 J of work on the surroundings. What is the final volume of the cylinder

Vf = 0.0017 m³ = 1.7 L

Explanation:

The work done by the system on the surrounding at constant pressure is given by the following formula:

W = PΔV

W = P(Vf - Vi)

where,

W = Work done = 288 J

P = Constant Pressure = (2 atm)(101325 Pa/atm) = 202650 Pa

Vf = Final Volume f Cylinder = ?

Vi = Initial Volume of Cylinder = (0.25 L)(0.001 m³/ 1 L) = 0.00025 m³

Therefore,

288 J = (202650 Pa)(Vf - 0.00025 m³)

Vf = 288 J/202650 Pa + 0.00025 m³

Vf = 0.0017 m³ = 1.7 L

vapour or gas assuming atmospheriv pressure