consider the reaction C6H14 + 9.5O2 yields 6CO2 + 7H2O at constant pressure. which response is true?

1. work may be done on or by the system as the reaction occurs, depending upon the temperature.

2. work is done on the system as the reaction occurs.

3. no work is done as the reaction occurs.

4. work is done by the system as the reaction occurs.

work = -p*delta V. I don't see a volume change.

Work is done on the system as the reaction occurs. :)

To determine which response is true, we need to understand the concept of work in thermodynamics. Work is defined as the energy transfer that occurs due to a force acting through a distance. In the context of a chemical reaction, work can be done either on the system (positive work) or by the system (negative work).

In this specific reaction C6H14 + 9.5O2 -> 6CO2 + 7H2O, we need to assess whether work is done on the system or by the system.

To determine this, we consider the number of product molecules and reactant molecules involved in the reaction. In this case, there are fewer product molecules (6CO2 and 7H2O) compared to the reactant molecules (C6H14 and 9.5O2). As a result, the products have less volume than the reactants.

Since the reaction is occurring at a constant pressure, it implies that the system is not able to expand or contract to adjust for the different volumes of the reactants and products. In other words, no volume change occurs.

Therefore, from the given reaction equation and the assumption of constant pressure, we can conclude that no work is done as the reaction occurs.

Hence, the correct response is option 3: no work is done as the reaction occurs.