w = -P*delta V

[Tiffany Chao 2H]

This might be a dumb question, but is a negative sign in front of the P*delta V always there? And then if the volume is decreasing (so -deltaV), then work is positive?

Thanks

[Skyllar Kuppinger 1F]

Yes, the negative sign is always there. You're right that when the volume is decreasing, it makes the work positive. It's a convention thing-- when the system is being compressed, we say the work is positive. and when the system is expanding against something, we say the work is negative.

[Jonathan Gong 2H]

Yes, w = -P*deltaV. If deltaV is negative then work will be positive. But, it is also important to consider what the question asks and what entity the work is being done on for the sign of work.

[SarahCoufal_1k]

yes, the negative sign is always there. When volume is decreased/compressed, delta V is negative so work is positive overall.
when volume is increased/expanded, delta V is positive and so w is negative overall. This is because when it is compressed, work goes into the system, and when it is expanded work leaves the system

[Alondra]

The negative sign is part of the equation. However, the work input or output differs depending on the pressure and change in volume.