Heat absorption relates to whether the system absorbs energy from its surroundings in the form of heat. In the context of thermodynamics, heat, symbolized as \( q \), is the energy transfer due to temperature differences. It is important to determine whether heat is absorbed or released to comprehend how the energy within the system is changing.
In the given problem, the task is to calculate \( q \). From the First Law of Thermodynamics, we have \( q + w = \Delta U \) or rearranged \( q = \Delta U - w \). Here, \( \Delta U \) is 213 J, and work \( w \) is negative because the system is doing work on its surroundings, making \( w = -64 \text{ J} \). Thus:
- \( q = 213 \text{ J} - (-64 \text{ J}) \)
- \( q = 213 \text{ J} + 64 \text{ J} \)
- \( q = 277 \text{ J} \)
Since the value of \( q \) is positive, this indicates that the system absorbs 277 J of heat. Understanding whether heat is absorbed helps identify the direction of energy flow between the system and environment.