Work (Adiabatic Process)

W = \frac{P_1 V_1 - P_2 V_2}{\gamma - 1}

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

m³

P_2

Final pressure

Pressure at state 2

Pa

V_2

Final volume

Volume at state 2

m³

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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