Units for Work

$w=-P\Delta V$
and
$w=-\int_{V_{1}}^{V_{2}}PdV=-nRTln\frac{V_{2}}{V_{1}}$

Kim Tran 1J
Posts: 62
Joined: Fri Sep 28, 2018 12:24 am

Units for Work

The units for work is just joules right? Or is there more?

When calculating work, what units should we use for pressure and volume?
Last edited by Kim Tran 1J on Wed Jan 30, 2019 10:40 pm, edited 1 time in total.

Noh_Jasmine_1J
Posts: 71
Joined: Fri Sep 28, 2018 12:15 am

Re: Units for Work

Units for work is in Joules and 1J is equal to kg*m^2*s^-2

Rachel-Weisz3C
Posts: 66
Joined: Fri Sep 28, 2018 12:23 am

Re: Units for Work

I think for pressure we use atm and for volume it should be Liters/milliliters, depending on the problem provides.

Danielle_Gallandt3I
Posts: 70
Joined: Fri Sep 28, 2018 12:24 am

Re: Units for Work

Since work is a form of energy transfer the units will be in Joules. And the units for pressure and volume will vary depending on the problem but the most common units tend to be atm and liters.

Gillian Murphy 2C
Posts: 30
Joined: Fri Sep 28, 2018 12:22 am

Re: Units for Work

To convert L⋅atm to Joules, you need to use the conversion factor of 101.325 J/1 L*atm, so basically just multiply your answer found using volume and pressure by 101.325 to get the actual answer in joules.

dgerges 4H
Posts: 65
Joined: Fri Sep 28, 2018 12:24 am

Re: Units for Work

^^ but yes, we will mostly be using SI units which includes joules

Miya Lopez 1I
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Joined: Tue Nov 14, 2017 3:00 am
Been upvoted: 1 time

Re: Units for Work

Rachel-Weisz3C wrote:I think for pressure we use atm and for volume it should be Liters/milliliters, depending on the problem provides.

Is the SI unit for pressure Pascal? Should we be using the SI unit or just atm?