What is W = -PΔV?
GeneralClass 12AllAnswered 27 Mar 2026
Answer
The euation W = -PΔV represents work done in thermodynamics, where W is work, P is pressure, and ΔV is the change in volume. The negative sign indicates that when a gas expands (positive ΔV), it does work on its surroundings (negative W from the system's perspective). Conversely, when compressed (negative ΔV), work is done on the gas (positive W).
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