Final answer:
The work done by a piston during an isobaric process can be calculated using the formula W = P × (V_final - V_initial), where P is pressure, V_final is the final volume, and V_initial is the initial volume.
Step-by-step explanation:
The process of steam cooling and condensation at a constant pressure within a piston-cylinder assembly involves calculating the work done by the piston. In an isobaric process, the pressure remains constant, meaning the work done (W) is equal to the pressure (P) multiplied by the change in volume (ΔV).
To find the work done by the piston as the steam condenses into saturated liquid water, you would need the initial and final volumes of the steam and water within the cylinder. These can be determined from the specific volume of saturated steam and saturated liquid at the given temperature. Once the volumes are known, the work done can be calculated using the formula:
W = P × (V_final - V_initial)
Keep in mind that we are ignoring the volume of liquid water compared to the volume of steam, following standard assumptions in thermodynamic processes. It's also worth noting that the pressure (P) should be converted into appropriate units (such as N/m2) to match the units of volume change which is typically in m3.