Calculating work from a quasi-static process for an ideal gas

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the work done during the expansion of an ideal gas in a quasi-static process, specifically when the pressure is defined as a function of volume. The original poster presents a scenario where the gas expands to twice its initial volume, and there is confusion regarding the integration process involved in determining the work done.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to calculate work using the integral of pressure with respect to volume but questions the division by 3 in their expression. Other participants suggest reviewing the integration of the pressure function and clarify the relationship between the integral and the factor of 1/3.

Discussion Status

Participants are exploring the setup of the integral for calculating work and discussing the correctness of the original poster's approach. There is an ongoing examination of the mathematical steps involved, with some participants questioning whether the setup is accurate and if the factor of 1/3 should be factored out differently.

Contextual Notes

The problem is framed within the context of a textbook exercise, and the original poster references a specific physics text, which may influence the interpretation of the problem and the methods discussed.

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Homework Statement



a sample of ideal gas is expanded to twice its original volume of 1.00m^3 in a quasi-static process for which P=alphaV^2, with alpha=5.00 atm/m^6. How much work is done on the expanding gas.

Homework Equations



w=-intergral sign Pdv from intial to final volume( i don't know how to type this out)

The Attempt at a Solution



w=-aplha(v^3/3) from 2m^3 to 1m^3
=(-5.065 x10^5/3)(2^3-1^3)=-1.2x10^6

this actually the correct answer, however i don't understand why -5.065x10^5 is being divided by3 i thought it would be : -5.065x10^5((2^3/3)-(1^3/3)=w/e could someone explain why your suppose to set it up like that...
 
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Hint:

What is

[tex]\int\alpha x^2 dx[/tex]
 
alpha)(x^3/3)... did i forget something
 
Last edited:
What is the work done in a reversible quasistatic process? It is given by

[tex]W = \int P dV[/tex]

Thats how the factor of 1/3 comes about. Maybe the answer is wrong?

(PS--Which book is this?)
 
the text is principles of physics serway and jewett 4th edition, is the correct setup to the anser then -5.065x10^5(2^3/3-1^3/3) or the way they put it? Should the 1/3 still be factored out?
 
Last edited:

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