How would I calculate work done by gas molecules (W=P*∆V) if P(pressure)=25,331.25 Pa or 0.25 atm and ∆V(change in volume produced by piston)=8.5m³ * 10^-25?

Question

festinger · Answer

You have the formula and values, so you should be able to do it.

festinger · Answer

Recall that work done is$$W=Fd$$
Which means work done is the force and displacement moved in the direction of the force.

Pressure is force per unit area:$$P=\frac{F}{A}$$
If I placed this as F in the work done formula it is:

$$W=PAd$$
again, d is the direction moved in the direction  of the force. So the product Ad is ∆V and thus
$$W=P\Delta V$$

If the change in volume is positive, then THE GAS is doing positive work. Here's why:|dw:1374803628453:dw|
Referring to the (bad) diagram, you can see that the force by the gas (pressure) pushes the piston in the same direction of the force, so work done is positive.

If I push the piston, THE GAS is doing negative work, since d is now in opposite direction to the force (pressure) exerted by the gas.