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

-540 kJ

Step-by-step 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* -3\\\Rightarrow W=-540000\ J\\\Rightarrow W=-540\ kJ`

The work required to compress helium is -540 kJ