An ideal gaseous reaction (which is a hypothetical gaseous reaction that conforms to the laws governing gas behavior) occurs at a constant pressure of 35.0 atm and releases 74.6 kJ of heat. Before the reaction, the volume of the system was 8.20 L . After the reaction, the volume of the system was 2.80 L . Calculate the total internal energy change, ΔE, in kilojoules.

ΔU = −55.45 kJ

Explanation:

From first law of thermodynamics in chemistry, we have;

ΔU = Q + W

where;

ΔU is change in internal energy

Q is the net heat transfer

W is the net work done

We are given;

Q = 74.6 kJ

But Q will be negative since heat is released

Thus;

ΔU = -74.6 kJ + W

We are given;

Constant pressure; P = 35 atm = 35 × 101325 = 3546375 N/m²

Volume before reaction; Vi = 8.2 L = 0.0082 m³

Volume after reaction; V_f = 2.8 L = 0.0028 m³

Now,

W = -P(V_f - V_i)

W = - 3546375(0.0028 - 0.0082)

W = 19.15 KJ

Thus;

ΔU = Q + W

ΔU = -74.6 kJ + 19.15 KJ =

ΔU = −55.45 kJ