Work function

[Cristian Carrasco 1F]

when is W positive and when is it negative??

[Daniisaacson2F]

I'm pretty sure it depends on whether work is being done by the system or on the system. I'm assuming if it was being done ON the system, it would be positive and vice versa.

[ConnorThomas2E]

When the system is gaining energy through work, or when work is being done on the system from the surroundings, W is positive. when the system releases energy by doing work on the surroundings, W is negative.

[Nicole Jacobs 1C]

i also think w is negative when the reaction is expansive and the delta V is positive, and 0 when the reaction takes place in a vacuum with free expansion.

[Amanda Wu 2C]

When work is done on a system, the value of w is positive (w > 0) while when work is done by the system, the value of w is negative. (w < 0).