[[Thermodynamics]] ![[work via compression.jpg|lg]] Sign convention: (+) from system to surroundings, (-) from surroundings to system $W = F•dx$ PV work: $dW = -P_{ext}dV \quad →\quad W = \int_{V1}^{V2}PdV$ ![[work.jpg]] ## Work for isothermal processes (constant temperature) $ W = -\int_{V1}^{V2}PdV$ Plot P and V data from steam tables and integrate under the curve (use trapezoidal method) Ideal work (assuming z=1): $W = RT + ln(\frac{P2}{P1})$ *At **constant temperature**, heat will still be exchanged to maintain the temperature