Formula Used:
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Work Done By System in an adiabatic process refers to the energy transferred by the system to its surroundings through mechanical work when no heat exchange occurs with the environment. It represents the useful output energy from thermodynamic systems.
The calculator uses the formula:
Where:
Explanation: This formula calculates the mechanical work performed by a system when it undergoes a small volume change against a constant external pressure in an adiabatic process.
Details: Calculating work done by the system is crucial for understanding energy transfer in thermodynamic processes, designing engines and compressors, and analyzing the efficiency of energy conversion systems.
Tips: Enter external pressure in Pascals and small volume change in cubic meters. Both values must be positive numbers greater than zero for accurate calculation.
Q1: What is an adiabatic process?
A: An adiabatic process is a thermodynamic process where no heat is transferred to or from the system. All energy transfer occurs through work.
Q2: Why is external pressure used in this calculation?
A: External pressure represents the opposing force that the system works against during expansion or compression, determining the work output.
Q3: What defines a "small" volume change?
A: A small volume change refers to an infinitesimal change where the external pressure remains approximately constant throughout the process.
Q4: Can this formula be used for large volume changes?
A: For large volume changes where pressure varies significantly, integration is required: \( W = \int P_{ext} dV \).
Q5: What are typical units for work calculation?
A: Work is typically measured in Joules (J), where 1 J = 1 Pa·m³. Other common units include calories, BTU, or foot-pounds depending on the application.