Exploring Thermodynamic Work: PV, Mechanical, and Non-Mechanical

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SUMMARY

The discussion clarifies the relationships between pressure-volume work, mechanical work, and non-mechanical work in thermodynamics. Mechanical work, represented by the integral expression ∫PdV, quantifies the work done by pressure acting through a volume change in a thermodynamic system. This type of work is distinct from non-mechanical work, which includes energy transfers like electrical work (δW_{elec}= φ dQ) and magnetic work (δW_{mag}= B dM). The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding these distinctions for accurate thermodynamic analysis.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of thermodynamic systems
  • Familiarity with integral calculus, specifically ∫pdV
  • Knowledge of mechanical and non-mechanical work concepts
  • Basic principles of heat transfer and energy transfer
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the applications of ∫pdV in real-world thermodynamic systems
  • Explore the differences between mechanical and non-mechanical work in thermodynamics
  • Study the principles of heat flow and its relation to molecular collisions
  • Investigate electrical work and magnetic work in thermodynamic contexts
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for students and professionals in physics, engineering, and thermodynamics, particularly those focusing on energy transfer mechanisms and thermodynamic system analysis.

Nick9
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In thermodynamics, what is the relationship between the terms, "pressure–volume work", "mechanical work", "non-mechanical work", "∫pdV", and "-∫Vdp"?
 
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Nick9 said:
In thermodynamics, what is the relationship between the terms, "pressure–volume work", "mechanical work", "non-mechanical work", "∫pdV", and "-∫Vdp"?
Hi Nick9. Welcome to PF!

Mechanical work, macroscopic work, ##\int PdV## work all refer to the same thing: measureable work due to pressure acting through a change in volume done by or on a thermodynamic system. It is distinguished from microscopic work done on or by individual molecules by or on other molecules due to intermolecular collisions. That kind of energy transfer (due to molecular collsions) is called heat flow.

AM
 
Some examples of non-PV-work: \delta W_{elec}= \phi dQ, \delta W_{mag}= B dM
 

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