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NEETChemistryThermodynamics (C)

Why is a negative sign used in the expression for pressure-volume work (w) in thermodynamics?

Options

  1. ATo indicate work done by the system
  2. BTo indicate work done on the surroundings
  3. CTo obtain a positive value for work done on the system during compression
  4. DTo account for the change in volume

Correct answer

C. To obtain a positive value for work done on the system during compression

Step-by-step solution

The negative sign is used in the expression for pressure-volume work to ensure that the work done on the system during compression is assigned a positive value.

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