Chemistry: Piston Problem

Question

A sample of an ideal gas is maintained at a constant temperature of 25.0 oC, is contained in a cylinder sealed by a piston. The gas is initially at a pressure of 6.00 atm and occupies a volume of 400 mL. If the external pressure on the piston is constant at 1.5 atm, and the gas expands under its own pressure until its own pressure is equal to the

external pressure, how much work does the gas do on expanding?

Answer 1

You don't say, but I think you are allowing the gas to expand at constant temperature.

To find the work done, you need to work out the integral of P dV, which at constant temperature for an ideal gas the integral of 1/V dV, which is a log.

With this hint, you should be able to find fuller details in your course materials.