Answer:
The initial volume of the system: V₁ = 53.06 L
Explanation:
Given: heat absorbed by system: q = 50.5 J, Pressure: P = 0.491 atm, Final volume: V₂ = 56.2 L, The change in the internal energy: ΔE = -106.0 J
Initial volume: V₁ = ? L
According to the First Law of Thermodynamics:
ΔE = q - PΔV
⇒ PΔV = q - ΔE = 50.5 J - (-106.0 J) = 156.5 J
As, 1 L∙atm = 101.3 J ⇒ 1 J = (1 ÷ 101.3) L∙atm
⇒ PΔV = 156.5 J = (156.5 ÷ 101.3) L∙atm = 1.54 L∙atm
So,
ΔV = 1.54 L∙atm ÷ P = 1.54 L∙atm ÷ 0.491 atm = 3.14 L
∵ ΔV = V₂ - V₁ = 3.14 L
⇒ V₁ = V₂ - 3.14 L = 56.2 L - 3.14 L = 53.06 L
Therefore, the initial volume of the system: V₁ = 53.06 L