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

[Nick9]

In thermodynamics, what is the relationship between the terms, "pressure–volume work", "mechanical work", "non-mechanical work", "∫pdV", and "-∫Vdp"?

 

[Andrew Mason]

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

 

[robphy]

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