Work (Adiabatic Process)
Work done during adiabatic expansion or compression.
Variables
Derivation
W = ∫P dV with PV^γ = const. Also: W = nC_v(T_1 - T_2) = (P_1V_1 - P_2V_2)/(γ-1).
Your notes
Check value
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- P1 = 2 Pa (Initial pressure)
- V1 = 3 m³ (Initial volume)
- P2 = 4 Pa (Final pressure)
- V2 = 5 m³ (Final volume)
- γ = 5.5 (Heat capacity ratio)
Result: W = -3.1111111 J
Other thermodynamics formulas with the same quantities
- Work (Isothermal Process) (First Law) shares Work
Where this formula is listed
- Thermodynamics formulas, under First Law, alongside Internal Energy (Ideal Gas), Heat Capacity Relation and Enthalpy.
- In the thermodynamics list it comes after Heat Capacity Relation and before Enthalpy.
- Thermodynamics formula sheet, one of 34 formulas printed with symbol keys and SI units.
- The full formula index, grouped by category and topic.
Common questions
What is the Work (Adiabatic Process) formula?
Work (Adiabatic Process) is written W = (P₁V₁ − P₂V₂)/(γ − 1). Work done during adiabatic expansion or compression. It belongs to Thermodynamics, under First Law.
What are the units in W = (P₁V₁ − P₂V₂)/(γ − 1)?
In SI units, W is work, measured in kg·m²/s²; P₁ is initial pressure, measured in kg/(m·s²); V₁ is initial volume, measured in m³; P₂ is final pressure, measured in kg/(m·s²); V₂ is final volume, measured in m³; γ is heat capacity ratio (dimensionless).
How is the Work (Adiabatic Process) formula derived?
W = ∫P dV with PV^γ = const. Also: W = nC_v(T_1 - T_2) = (P_1V_1 - P_2V_2)/(γ-1). The result is W = (P₁V₁ − P₂V₂)/(γ − 1).