Question 3 of 4 · Thermodynamic Systems and Energy · Intermediate · About 18 min
Work from a slow hydraulic piston stroke
A frictionless piston of cross-sectional area moves outward by against a constant external absolute pressure of . The gas internal energy rises by . Calculate the increase in cylinder volume, boundary work done by the gas, and the heat supplied.

Given
Piston area 0.018 m²
Outward stroke 0.120 m
Constant boundary pressure 145 kPa
Internal-energy increase 2.70 kJ
Find
Volume change
Boundary work
Heat supplied
Assumptions
Pressure at the moving boundary equals the specified external pressure.
Neglect friction, other work and energy of bulk motion.
Worked solution
Independent Waypoint Mentor learning material. Not affiliated with or endorsed by any university.