Thermodynamics

Work (Adiabatic Process)

Work done during adiabatic expansion or compression.

Variables

W
Work
Work done by gas
J
P_1
Initial pressure
Pressure at state 1
Pa
V_1
Initial volume
Volume at state 1
P_2
Final pressure
Pressure at state 2
Pa
V_2
Final volume
Volume at state 2
γ
Heat capacity ratio
C_p/C_v
unitless

Derivation

W = ∫P dV with PV^γ = const. Also: W = nC_v(T_1 - T_2) = (P_1V_1 - P_2V_2)/(γ-1).

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