141

THERAIODINAMICS

P, Let this change If the pressure is not constant but

cqual to
and the final changes during the process such that it
beomes
inside a single step than the
this compression, is always infinitesimally greater
in
achieved
V. During each stage of
volumebe
be
piston moves a
distance, l and pressure of the gas, then, at
cross-sectional area of the piston is A compression, the volume
suppos
decreases by an
infinitesimal amount, dV. In such a case we
volumechange=-|xA - AV= (V, - V) can calculate the work done on the gas by the
then. force relation
pressure =
know, area
Wealso
piston = P,. A W=-|P.,dV (5.3)
Thercfore,force on the
the work done on the system by V

If wis piston then to (p, + dp)

movement of the
p...A.l Here, p. at each stage is equal5.5/c)). In an
force x distance = [Fig.
in case of compression similar conditions,
=-P,AV=- F-P (V- V) (5.2) expansion process under
Pa .(-AV) always less than the
expression is the external pressure is
The negative sign of this sign for w. pressure of the system i.e., p
(p,- dp). In
conventional dp). Such
required to obtain general case we can write, p (p.+
indicates that in case
which will be positive. It on the system. processes are called reversible
processes.
compression work is done
of
negative and negative process or change is said to be
Here (V, - V) will be A
positive. Hence change is brought out in such a
multiplied by negative will be will be positive. reversible, ifaprocess could, at any moment,
work way that the
the sign obtained for the infinitesimal change.
constant at every be reversed by an
If the pressure is not infânitely
compression, but changes in number A reversible process proceeds
stage of on the gas will be slowly by a series of
equilibrium states
of finite steps, work done will be equal such that system and the surroundings
are
summed over all the steps and each other.
always in near equilibrium with
to - EpAV (Fig. 5.5 (b)]
p
p

V, V
Volume ()
V, Volume ()
Fig. 5.5 (c) pV-plot when pressure is not constant
Fig. 5.5 (b) pV-plot when pressure is not constant and changes in infrnite steps (reversible
and changes in finite steps during conditions) during compression from
compression from initial volume, V to initial volume, V, to final volume, V,.
final volume Work done on the gas Work done on the gas is represented
is represe he shaded area. by the shaded area.