Expanding gas - is any work done?

In summary, the conversation discusses the concept of work being done when a gas in a rigid container is allowed to expand after being separated from a vacuum by a membrane. It is concluded that no work is done since the gas does not have to push against anything to expand. The relevant equation, W = P*V, is also mentioned.
  • #1
zulfiqar6
9
0

Homework Statement



I can't figure this out...if you have a gas in a rigid container, with a membrane separating the gas from a vacuum in the other half of the container, then remove the membrane and allow the gas to expand, is any work done? It's not expanding against force - does that make work done 0?

Homework Equations



W = P*V

The Attempt at a Solution



dV is positive, so work is also positive?
Except P = 0 from the other side, which would seem to make W = 0*dV = 0
 
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  • #2
You're right. The work is 0 because the gas doesn't have to push against anything to expand.
 

What is expanding gas?

Expanding gas refers to a gas that is undergoing a process of expansion, where its volume is increasing while its pressure and temperature remain constant.

What causes a gas to expand?

A gas expands when the molecules that make it up are given more space to move around. This can happen when the gas is heated, or when the pressure on the gas is reduced.

Is any work done when a gas expands?

Yes, work is done when a gas expands. This is because the gas is pushing against the walls of its container as it expands, and this requires energy. The amount of work done is equal to the force of the gas multiplied by the distance it expands.

How is work related to the expansion of a gas?

Work is directly related to the expansion of a gas. As the gas expands, it does work on its surroundings by pushing against the walls of its container. This work can be calculated using the formula W = PΔV, where W is work, P is pressure, and ΔV is the change in volume.

What are some real-life examples of expanding gas?

Some real-life examples of expanding gas include the expansion of air in a balloon when it is inflated, the expansion of the gas in a car's engine during the combustion process, and the expansion of gas in a hot air balloon to lift it off the ground.

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