I am still confused as to when each equation for work is supposed to be used.
w=-p* Δv
w= - v1∫v2 Pdv
w=-nRT ln (v2/v1)
Can anyone specify in which type of case each equation is used?
Equations for work
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Re: Equations for work
The first two are the same equation. They are used under constant pressure. (for the second: pressure is constant, so it can be taken outside the integral. The integral of dV is V, and V2-V1 is ∆V, thus the first equation: w=-p∆V)
The third equation is used when the reaction is isothermal, but pressure and volume are changing.
The third equation is used when the reaction is isothermal, but pressure and volume are changing.
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Re: Equations for work
Adding to that, for the third equation, when pressure is changing, you'd use w=-nRT ln (p1/p2).
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Re: Equations for work
also -PdeltaV refers to the irreversible function and -nRTln(v2/v1) refers to the reversible function. The reversible will always do more work since pressure is changing in infinite small amounts.
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Re: Equations for work
The first and second equations are the same; the second one simplified equals the first equation. These equations are used for situations in which the pressure is constant. However in irreversible functions in which the pressure is not constant, you would use the third equation. They all solve for work done by the system.
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