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How do you calculate the work done in compressing a gas?

To calculate the work done in compressing a gas, you need to use the formula W = -PΔV.

When a gas is compressed, work is done on the gas to reduce its volume. The amount of work done can be calculated using the formula W = -PΔV, where W is the work done, P is the pressure applied, and ΔV is the change in volume.

The negative sign in the formula indicates that work is done on the gas, rather than by the gas. This is because the gas is being compressed, which means that its volume is decreasing and its internal energy is increasing.

To use the formula, you need to know the initial and final volumes of the gas, as well as the pressure applied during the compression. If the pressure is constant, you can simply multiply the pressure by the change in volume to get the work done. However, if the pressure is not constant, you will need to use calculus to integrate the pressure over the change in volume.

It's worth noting that the work done in compressing a gas is not the same as the energy required to compress the gas. The energy required will depend on the efficiency of the compression process, as well as any losses due to friction or heat transfer.


A-Level Physics Tutor Summary: To calculate work done when compressing a gas, use the formula W = -PΔV. This shows the work (W) needed as the gas's volume decreases under pressure (P) and the change in volume (ΔV). The minus sign means work is done on the gas. Know the initial and final volumes and pressure. If pressure varies, calculus is needed for accuracy.

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