Question

Derive an expression for maximum work.

Answer 1

a) consider 'n' moles of an ideal gas placed in a cylinder fitted with weightless, frictionless piston at a constant temperature 't'. if the gas expands isothermally and reversibly from initial volume v1 to final volume v2 and if the expansion is by a small volume 'dv', then opposing pressure 'p' decreases by a small amount 'dp' producing small work done 'dw. now, the pressure (pex) will be 'p- dp'.