Work Equations: Which One to Use?

[Frenz Cabison 1B]

When do we use w= -Pexdelta v? When do we use w=-nRT ln (V2/V1)?

[Michele 2C]

You use w = - p_ex∆V when external pressure is constant. You use w = - nRT ln(V₂/V₁) when pressure is variable, or not constant.

[Gwyneth Huynh 1J]

Use w=-PdeltaV for irreversible systems (constant P) and use w = -nRTln (V2/V1) for reversible processes when P is not constant.

[Troy Tavangar 1I]

The first is for irreversible reactions and the latter is for reversible reactions.