Comprehension-4

WORK DONE BY A GAS( Wexp. )

Let P and V be the pressure and volume of the gas. If A be the area of the piston, then force exerted
by gas on the piston is, F = P A.

Let the piston move through a small distance dx during the expansion of the gas. Work done for a
small displacement dx is dW = F dx = PA dx
Since A dx = dV, increase in volume of the gas is dV

or

dW = P dV

Wexp. dw

Vf

P.dV P(V

Vi ) P.V

Vi

Area enclosed under P-V curve gives work done during process.
I.U.P.A.C. convensions:
(i) work done by the system = Wexp. = w P.V

Where w is work done

(ii)work done on the system= w

Hence, w P.V in chemistry
(iii)Heat released by the system= q
(iv)Heat absorbed bythe system= q
Q.1

Calculate work done for the expansion of a substance from 3m 3 to 5m 3 against(a)constant pressure of 105 Pa
(b)a variable pressure of (10 5V ) Pa

Q.2

Calculate expansion work in joule when ideal gas expands from 2l to 10l at 300K
temperature and constant external pressure of 2atm ?

Q.3

Work done in isochoric process is(a) Zero (b)not defined

(c)depends on external pressure

(d)a state function

Work done in free expansion is(a) Zero (b)not defined

(c)depends on external pressure

(d)a state function

Q.4

Answers
1.(a) 2 105 J

(b) 60J

2. 1620.272J

3.(a)

4.(a)