Consider the following figure.
(a) Determine the work done on a fluid that expands from i to f as indicated in the figure.
J
(b) How much work is done on the fluid if it is compressed from f to i along the same path?
J
To determine the work done on a fluid, we need to use the formula:
Work = Pressure x Change in Volume
In this case, the fluid is expanding from i to f along the indicated path. So, let's break down the process of finding the answer for both parts (a) and (b).
(a) To find the work done on the fluid as it expands from i to f, we need to determine the change in volume and multiply it by the pressure.
1. Determine the change in volume: In the figure, it is evident that the volume at f is larger than the volume at i. Measure the difference in volume between i and f.
2. Multiply the change in volume by the pressure: Multiply the measured change in volume by the pressure applied to the fluid. This pressure can be given explicitly in the problem or can be obtained from additional information.
The resulting value will be the work done on the fluid as it expands from i to f, expressed in Joules (J).
(b) Finding the work done on the fluid as it is compressed from f to i along the same path requires following the same steps as part (a).
1. Determine the change in volume: Since the fluid is being compressed, the volume at i will be larger than the volume at f. Measure the difference in volume between f and i.
2. Multiply the change in volume by the pressure: Multiply the measured change in volume by the pressure applied to the fluid, which should be the same pressure as in part (a).
The resulting value will be the work done on the fluid as it is compressed from f to i, expressed in Joules (J).