Final answer:
The value of 'w', which represents the work done by the system, is measured using the equation w = -PΔV. In the given context, w equals -1,013 Joules. This means the system has expended energy (1,013 Joules) to facilitate its expansion.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the field of Thermodynamics, the letter 'w' stands for work done by or on a system. The equation used to calculate this is: w = -PΔV, where w is the work done, P is the external pressure, and ΔV is the change in volume (final volume - initial volume).
In your question, we are given that a gas expands from an initial volume of 5.00 L to a final volume of 15.00 L under a constant external pressure of 1.00 atm (or 101.3 J/L.atm). Therefore, the work done by the system (the gas) equals to the negative of the pressure times the change in volume, which computes as w = -1.00 atm * (15.00 L - 5.00 L). So, w = -1.00 atm * 10.00 L.
To convert this into joules (since 1 L.atm = 101.3 J), we multiply the atm*L result by 101.3 J/L.atm. So, w = -1.00 * 10.00 * 101.3 J, which gives us w = -1,013 Joules.
Here, negative sign indicates that the system has done work on its surroundings. That is, the gas has expended energy to push against the external pressure and expand its volume.
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