4.9.9

p-V Diagrams

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Pressure-Volume graphs

A pressure-volume graph is a method of showing gas expansion and compression.

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Expansion and compression

  • An expansion will have an increasing volume, a compression will have a decreasing volume.
  • Isotherms are curved lines of constant temperature.
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Isotherms and adiabats

  • Isothermal lines and adiabatic lines are both curved lines.
  • Adiabatic lines are steeper than isothermal lines.

Types of p-V diagrams

Many quantities are represented on a p-V diagram.

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Work

  • The work done on a p-V graph is the area under the line.
  • If the process is a cycle the work done in the cycle is the area of the loop.
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Cycles

  • Cycles are closed loops.
  • Work is done around a cycle but the internal energy is the same at the start and the end.

Jump to other topics

1Principles of Science I

1.1Structure & Bonding

1.2Properties of Substances

1.3Cell Structure & Function

1.4Cell Specialisation

1.5Tissue Structure & Function

1.6Working with Waves

1.7Waves in Communication

2Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques

3Science Investigation Skills

4Principles of Science II

4.1Extracting Elements

4.2Relating Properties to use of Substances

4.3Organic Chemistry

4.4Energy Changes in Industry

4.5The Circulatory System

4.6Ventilation & Gas Exchange

4.7Urinary System

4.8Cell Transport

4.9Thermal Physics

4.10Materials

4.11Fluids

5Contemporary Issues in Science

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