# PV plots - gas expansion

1. May 9, 2005

### alexialight

Calculate the work W done by the gas during the isothermal expansion (path C). It may be be convenient to generalize your results by using the variable R_v, which is the ratio of final to initial volumes (equal to 4 for the expansions shown in the figure.)
Express W in terms of p_0, V_0, and R_v.

I've been at this question for ages and I just can't see how p_0 fits into the answer. The hints say to find an expression for p(V) in terms of p_0, V_0 and V and I can't even seem to do that. Any help would be much appreciated.

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2. May 9, 2005

### dextercioby

U can find it writing Mendeleev-Clapeyron's equation for the initial & final states.

U have to integrate it to get the answer.

Daniel.

3. May 9, 2005

### Corneo

Knowing that

$$W = \int_{V_1}^{V_2} p ~dV$$

and

$$p = \frac {nRT}{V}$$

you can get

$$W=nRT \ln \frac {V_2}{V_1}$$

Since it is an isoterm, then $T$ is constant.

$$p_1V_1 = p_2 V_2$$ or

$$\frac {V_2}{V_1} = R_V = \frac {p_1}{p_2}$$

This is a MP problem isn't it?

4. May 9, 2005

### alexialight

Yes it is :(
I understand that W is equivilent to that equation you wrote, I just don't know how to get an answer with only p_0, V_0 and R_v and not n, T and R

5. May 9, 2005

### Corneo

Well If I recall correctly, just because MP says you have to use these variables, it doesn't mean all the variables have to be used. But you can't use variables that aren't defined for the problem.

So you agree that

$$W=nRT \ln R_v$$

Since n, R, T are all constants in this problem.

$$p_0V_0 = nRT = pV$$, then perhaps your final answer is

$$W=nRT \ln R_v = p_0 V_0 \ln R_v$$

Enter that on your own risk, I never liked MP. Good luck.

6. May 9, 2005

### janiexo

I had the same problem. It works now though :)