How is work done calculated in a pressure-volume process?

Work done in a pressure-volume process is calculated by integrating the pressure-volume curve.

In a pressure-volume process, work is done when there is a change in volume against a constant external pressure. The work done can be calculated by finding the area under the pressure-volume curve. This can be done using calculus by integrating the curve.

The equation for work done in a pressure-volume process is W = ∫PdV, where W is the work done, P is the external pressure, and dV is the change in volume. This equation can be used to calculate the work done in any pressure-volume process, as long as the pressure and volume are known at each point.

It is important to note that the sign of the work done depends on the direction of the process. If the process is expanding, work is done by the system and the work done is positive. If the process is compressing, work is done on the system and the work done is negative.

In summary, the work done in a pressure-volume process can be calculated by integrating the pressure-volume curve using the equation W = ∫PdV. The sign of the work done depends on the direction of the process.