Answer to Question #291899 in Physics for Aftab

Question

A thermodynamic process follows this relation: P = kV⁻². If the initial pressure is P₁ and the final pressure is P₂, then what is the work done on the gas? Heat can flow through the container.

Answer 1

As we know, work is

$$W=nRT\ln\dfrac{V_1}{V_2}=nRT\ln\sqrt\dfrac{P_2}{P_1}.$$

Pay attention that we had to express pressure from the equation

$$P=kV^{-2}.$$