The given case is in a vacuum where there is no external pressure associating with an ideal gas. So, Pex = 0.
W = -Pex(Vf - Vi) = 0 × 8 = 0.
No work is done.

" /> The given case is in a vacuum where there is no external pressure associating with an ideal gas. So, Pex = 0.
W = -Pex(Vf - Vi) = 0 × 8 = 0.
No work is done.

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Question:

2 L of an ideal gas at a pressure of 10 atm expands isothermally into a vacuum until its total volume is 10 L. How much work is done in the expansion?

16.1 L-atm

24.0 L-atm

no work done

8 L-atm

Solution:

The correct option is "no work done".
The given case is in a vacuum where there is no external pressure associating with an ideal gas. So, Pex = 0.
W = -Pex(Vf - Vi) = 0 × 8 = 0.
No work is done.