1. What is Boyle's Law?

Boyle's Law states that the pressure of a given mass of gas is inversely proportional to its volume at constant temperature. The work done during this isothermal process can be calculated using the provided equation.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Boyle's Law work equation:

Where:

• \( W \) — Work done by the gas (Joules)
• \( P_1 \) — Initial pressure (Pascals)
• \( V_1 \) — Initial volume (m³)
• \( V_2 \) — Final volume (m³)

Explanation: The negative sign indicates work done by the system (gas). The natural logarithm accounts for the continuous change in pressure during the process.

3. Importance of Work Calculation

Details: Calculating work in thermodynamic processes is essential for understanding energy transfer in systems, designing engines, and analyzing thermodynamic cycles.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter all values in SI units (Pa for pressure, m³ for volume). Ensure initial and final volumes are positive and initial pressure is positive.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is the work negative in the equation?
A: The negative sign indicates work done by the system (gas expanding). Positive work would mean work done on the system.

Q2: What are the assumptions of this calculation?
A: The process must be isothermal (constant temperature), reversible, and the gas must behave ideally.

Q3: What are typical units for these calculations?
A: SI units are recommended (Pa, m³, J), but other consistent unit systems can be used with appropriate conversions.

Q4: Can this be used for compression as well as expansion?
A: Yes, the equation works for both expansion (V2 > V1) and compression (V2 < V1), with the sign indicating direction of energy transfer.

Q5: How does temperature factor into this calculation?
A: While temperature doesn't appear explicitly, the equation assumes constant temperature throughout the process.