Work from Pressure and Volume Change
Work from Pressure and Volume Change
\[W = P\Delta V\]
Variables
W = work (J)
P = constant pressure (Pa)
dV = volume change (m³)
Description
What is this formula?
The pressure-volume work equation calculates the mechanical work performed by or on a gas during expansion or compression at constant pressure.
When to use it
Use this formula when analyzing thermodynamic systems, gas expansion, pistons, compressors, engines, or fluid power systems.
Example
A gas expands by 0.03 m³ under a constant pressure of 200000 Pa.
Data:
P = 200000 Pa
dV = 0.03 m³
Formula:
W = P*dV
Substitution:
W = 200000*0.03
Result:
W = 6000 J
Applications
Thermodynamics, internal combustion engines, compressors, pneumatic systems, energy systems, and mechanical engineering.
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