What formula is used to calculate work done involving pressure and volume change?

Get ready for the SIFT Mechanical Comprehension Test with engaging flashcards and multiple choice questions. Each question offers hints and explanations to optimize learning. Excel in your exam preparation!

The formula for calculating work done in the context of pressure and volume change is derived from the relationship between pressure, area, and volume. When volume changes under pressure, the work done can be expressed as the product of pressure and the change in volume.

In fluid mechanics and thermodynamics, pressure (P) is defined as force (F) per unit area (A), which can be rearranged to P = F/A. When applying this to a scenario where a gas expands or compresses, the work done (W) during this process can be described as the pressure times the change in volume. Thus, when considering a change in volume (ΔV), the formula becomes:

Work = Pressure x Change in Volume

or expressed with the volumes involved:

Work = (F/A) x (V2 - V1)

This captures the essence of the physical work done during such processes. Hence, the correct choice accurately represents how pressure and volume changes relate to each other when calculating work done.

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