A mixture of butane and oxygen gases are contained in a cylinder with a moveable piston lid. A spark is applied to the gases, causing them to combust and form carbon dioxide and water. The product gases expand, pushing the cylinder lid outwards. The hot product gases in the cylinder also lose heat to the surrounding air. Which one of the following statements is true? A) AE is positive, q is positive, w is positive B) AE is positive, q is negative, w is negative C) AE is negative, q is negative, w is negative D) AE is negative, q is negative, w is positive

Chemistry
10th Edition
ISBN:9781305957404
Author:Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
Publisher:Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
Chapter1: Chemical Foundations
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1RQ: Define and explain the differences between the following terms. a. law and theory b. theory and...
icon
Related questions
icon
Concept explainers
Question
100%
**Thermodynamics Question: Energy Transfer in a Combustion Reaction**

A mixture of butane and oxygen gases are contained in a cylinder with a moveable piston lid. A spark is applied to the gases, causing them to combust and form carbon dioxide and water. The product gases expand, pushing the cylinder lid outwards. The hot product gases in the cylinder also lose heat to the surrounding air. Which one of the following statements is true?

A) ΔE is positive, q is positive, w is positive

B) ΔE is positive, q is negative, w is negative

C) ΔE is negative, q is negative, w is negative

D) ΔE is negative, q is negative, w is positive

---

### Explanation:

This question tests your understanding of energy changes in a chemical reaction, particularly combustion, and the concepts of heat (q), work (w), and changes in internal energy (ΔE) in thermodynamics.

**ΔE** represents the change in internal energy of the system.
**q** represents the heat exchanged (absorbed or released) by the system.
**w** represents the work done by or on the system.

In this scenario:
- The combustion of butane and oxygen is an exothermic reaction (releases heat), so **q is negative**.
- The gases expand and push the piston, doing work on the surroundings, so **w is negative** (work is done by the system).

With both heat being released and work being done by the system, **ΔE** (total internal energy change) will be negative, indicating a decrease in the system’s internal energy.

Hence, the correct answer is:

C) ΔE is negative, q is negative, w is negative
Transcribed Image Text:**Thermodynamics Question: Energy Transfer in a Combustion Reaction** A mixture of butane and oxygen gases are contained in a cylinder with a moveable piston lid. A spark is applied to the gases, causing them to combust and form carbon dioxide and water. The product gases expand, pushing the cylinder lid outwards. The hot product gases in the cylinder also lose heat to the surrounding air. Which one of the following statements is true? A) ΔE is positive, q is positive, w is positive B) ΔE is positive, q is negative, w is negative C) ΔE is negative, q is negative, w is negative D) ΔE is negative, q is negative, w is positive --- ### Explanation: This question tests your understanding of energy changes in a chemical reaction, particularly combustion, and the concepts of heat (q), work (w), and changes in internal energy (ΔE) in thermodynamics. **ΔE** represents the change in internal energy of the system. **q** represents the heat exchanged (absorbed or released) by the system. **w** represents the work done by or on the system. In this scenario: - The combustion of butane and oxygen is an exothermic reaction (releases heat), so **q is negative**. - The gases expand and push the piston, doing work on the surroundings, so **w is negative** (work is done by the system). With both heat being released and work being done by the system, **ΔE** (total internal energy change) will be negative, indicating a decrease in the system’s internal energy. Hence, the correct answer is: C) ΔE is negative, q is negative, w is negative
Expert Solution
trending now

Trending now

This is a popular solution!

steps

Step by step

Solved in 2 steps with 1 images

Blurred answer
Knowledge Booster
Thermochemistry
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, chemistry and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Similar questions
  • SEE MORE QUESTIONS
Recommended textbooks for you
Chemistry
Chemistry
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781305957404
Author:
Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Chemistry
Chemistry
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781259911156
Author:
Raymond Chang Dr., Jason Overby Professor
Publisher:
McGraw-Hill Education
Principles of Instrumental Analysis
Principles of Instrumental Analysis
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781305577213
Author:
Douglas A. Skoog, F. James Holler, Stanley R. Crouch
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Organic Chemistry
Organic Chemistry
Chemistry
ISBN:
9780078021558
Author:
Janice Gorzynski Smith Dr.
Publisher:
McGraw-Hill Education
Chemistry: Principles and Reactions
Chemistry: Principles and Reactions
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781305079373
Author:
William L. Masterton, Cecile N. Hurley
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Elementary Principles of Chemical Processes, Bind…
Elementary Principles of Chemical Processes, Bind…
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781118431221
Author:
Richard M. Felder, Ronald W. Rousseau, Lisa G. Bullard
Publisher:
WILEY