Work, in thermodynamics, is the amount of energy that is transferred from one system to another system without transfer of entropy. It is equal to the external pressure multiplied by the change in volume of the system. It is expressed as follows:
W = PdV
Integrating and assuming that P is not affected by changes in V or it is constant, then we will have:
W = P (V2 - V1)
W = 15 (101325) N/m^2 ( 0.640 - 0.150 ) (1/1000) m^3
W = 744.74 N-m or 744.74 J
It is important to remember that pressure here is assumed to be independent of the volume. However, if this is not the case the formula of work would change accordingly.
Therefore, the work done on the cylinder is equal to 744.74 J.
