Is Work Done by an Ideal Gas Always Equal to P(Vf - Vi)?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the work done by an ideal gas during a volume change, specifically questioning the relationship between work and pressure in the context of gas laws.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore whether the equation W=P(Vf-Vi) is valid and question the dependency of work on the path taken by the gas.

Discussion Status

Some participants affirm that the equation applies under constant pressure conditions, while others seek clarification on the implications of path dependency in the work done by the gas.

Contextual Notes

There is an ongoing discussion about the conditions under which the work done can be simplified to the equation mentioned, particularly focusing on constant pressure scenarios.

nil1996
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Homework Statement


Workdone by the ideal gas in changing its volume is given by
W=P∫VfdV

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution

My question is can we write the above equation by W=P(Vf-Vi)
Is work done dependent on the path the gas has taken to do work?

The Attempt at a Solution

 
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nil1996 said:

Homework Statement


Workdone by the ideal gas in changing its volume is given by
W=P∫VfdV
That's for constant pressure, right?
 
Yes workdone for constant pressure
 
nil1996 said:
Yes workdone for constant pressure

Then W=P(Vf-Vi) is fine.
 

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