Adiabatic Process: Is Work Negative?

[traveler7]

Homework Statement

Is this impossible: (yes or no)

During an adiabatic process, 37 J of work was done on the system.

Homework Equations

Delta U=-W

The Attempt at a Solution

I think it is impossible because it says work is negative. I am not sure though.

 

[kuruman]

I think it is impossible because it says work is negative. I am not sure though.

Where does "it" say that? Do you think that the work done on the gas during an adiabatic process should always be positive?

 

[Andrew Mason]

Homework Statement

Is this impossible: (yes or no)

During an adiabatic process, 37 J of work was done on the system.

Homework Equations

Delta U=-W

The Attempt at a Solution

I think it is impossible because it says work is negative. I am not sure though.

Explain your reasoning. If positive 37 Joules of work is done ON the system then the work done BY the system is -37 Joules. This means $\Delta W = -37J$. You correctly state that $\Delta U = -\Delta W$ if $\Delta Q = 0$ (no heat flows into or out of the system). So what must be the change in internal energy here? Why can this not occur?

AM