Question

A gas in a cylinder is compressed from an initial volume of \( 5 \, \text{m}^3 \) to a final volume of \( 2 \, \text{m}^3 \) while maintaining a constant pressure of \( 1 \times 10^5 \, \text{Pa} \). Calculate the work done by the gas during the compression.

• A. \( -3 \times 10^5 \, \text{J} \)
• B. \( -1 \times 10^5 \, \text{J} \)
• C. \( 3 \times 10^5 \, \text{J} \)
• D. \( 1 \times 10^5 \, \text{J} \)

Hint:

In an isobaric process, when a gas is compressed, the work done by the gas is negative. The negative sign indicates that energy is transferred to the surroundings.