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