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Chemistry Forums for Students => Physical Chemistry Forum => Topic started by: unleash10 on October 10, 2007, 08:56:17 PM

Title: Work and constant volume????
Post by: unleash10 on October 10, 2007, 08:56:17 PM

I was wondering why cant we have a situation where the equation for work as w = change in P times constant volume.
EG we have a piston with a changing external pressure being applied but the volume is not changing because the work from the system is adjusting to the change in external pressure.

Title: Re: Work and constant volume????
Post by: Yggdrasil on October 10, 2007, 10:21:47 PM

Mechanical work cannot be done without there being motion.  If volume doesn't change, then there is no macroscopic motion causing mechanical work do be done on the system.