If w is negative, what happened to the volume?

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Multiple Choice

If w is negative, what happened to the volume?

Explanation:
Negative work means the system is doing work on its surroundings, which happens when it expands. In PV work, w = -PΔV. With external pressure P > 0, a negative w requires ΔV > 0, so the volume increases. Therefore, the volume has increased. The note that the system is doing work on the surroundings is a consequence of expansion, but the question is about the volume change, so describing the volume as having increased is the direct answer.

Negative work means the system is doing work on its surroundings, which happens when it expands. In PV work, w = -PΔV. With external pressure P > 0, a negative w requires ΔV > 0, so the volume increases. Therefore, the volume has increased. The note that the system is doing work on the surroundings is a consequence of expansion, but the question is about the volume change, so describing the volume as having increased is the direct answer.

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