A2L Item 088

Goal: Problem solving

Source: UMPERG

A quantity of gas is confined to a cylinder. The cylinder is vertical
and capped by a moveable piston of mass 2 kg and area 0.1 m2.
The gas is heated until the piston rises 20 cm. The amount of work done
by the gas is most nearly

  1. 4 J
  2. 1 J
  3. -20 J
  4. 0.4 J
  5. None of the above
  6. Cannot be determined

Commentary:

Answer

(1) This problem helps interrelate concepts from mechanics and
thermodynamics. The work can be determined from the work done against
the gravitational force.