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Final answer:The work done during a system's transition from points A to B to C on a PV diagram is calculated as the total area under the curve, indicating positive work if the system expands and negative if it compresses.Explanation:Estimating the magnitude of the work done when a system changes from point A to B to C, along a given path on a pressure-volume (PV) diagram, involves calculating the total area under the path described.This calculation approximates the work done (W) as the product of the average pressure (Pi(ave)) and the change in volume (∆Vi) for each subsection of the path. Therefore, the total work done is the cumulative area under the curve representing the path from A to B to C.Deciding whether work is donebythe system oronthe system, and hence if it is positive or negative, depends on the direction of the process. If a process proceeds in such a way that it encompasses an area under the curve in a PV diagram (like moving from A to B to C), work is done by the system and is considered positive.Conversely, if the path is reversed (like moving from C to B to A), the work is done on the system, and the work value is negative as it implies a compression of the system where ∆V is negative.In the case of moving from A to C through path ABC, we would calculate the area under the curve to approximate the work done.If this path is taken, the work is done by the system, indicating a positive value of work. In contrast, reversing the path would imply work done on the system, showing a negative work value due to the area under the curve being interpreted negatively....