Thermodynamic work is the amount of energy transferred from one system to another due to a change in volume or pressure. It is a form of energy that is often associated with the movement of matter.
Thermodynamic work can be calculated using the formula w = -PΔV, where w is work, P is pressure, and ΔV is the change in volume. This formula assumes that pressure and volume are constant during the process.
Yes, thermodynamic work can be negative. This occurs when the system does work on its surroundings, resulting in a decrease in its internal energy. For example, when a gas expands against a constant external pressure, the work is negative.
In order to find thermodynamic work when pressure, volume, and temperature are not constant, you need to use the more general formula w = -∫PdV, where the integral is taken over the path of the process on a P-V diagram. This allows for changes in pressure and volume during the process.
The unit of measurement for thermodynamic work is joules (J) in the International System of Units (SI). However, other units such as calories (cal) and foot-pounds (ft-lb) are also commonly used.