Question

The volume of 1 kg of helium in a piston-cylinder device is initially 5 m3. Now helium is compressed to 2 m3 while its pressure is maintained constant at 180 kPa. Determine the work required to compress helium, in kJ.

Answer 1

Answer:

-540 kJ

Explanation:

P = Pressure which is applied to the piston = 180 kPa

$V_2$ = Final volume = 2 m³

$V_1$ = Initial volume = 5 m³

Work done is given by

$W=P\Delta V\\\Rightarrow W=P(V_2-V_1)\\\Rightarrow W=180000(2-5)\\\Rightarrow W=180000\times -3\\\Rightarrow W=-540000\ J\\\Rightarrow W=-540\ kJ$

The work required to compress helium is -540 kJ