External pressure on a piston with/without friction

In summary, the problem involves a gas enclosed in a cylinder with a piston of area A, and the relationship between pressure and volume at a constant temperature T is shown in Figure B. The task is to sketch graphs of the ratio of external force F to area A, F/A, as a function of volume V, for a slowly compressed and a slowly expanded gas at temperature T. The presence of sliding friction f between the piston and cylinder complicates the calculation of work.
  • #1
Dishsoap
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Homework Statement



"A gas is enclosed in a cylinder with a piston of area A. The relation between the pressure and volume of the gas at a constant temperature T is shown in Figure B. On a similar figure, sketch graphs of the ratio of the external force F to the area A, F/A, as a function of V, as the gas is (1) is slowly compressed, and (2) is slowly expanded at the temperature T. Ther is a force of sliding friction f between the piston and the cylinder.

The image is similar to
Ideal_gas_isotherms.png



Homework Equations



P = F/A
W = P*Delta(V)

The Attempt at a Solution



All I did was say that the work is proportional to F*Delta(V). I think that the work would be the same in both cases, since the work done by friction would remove remove energy from the system regardless of which direction the piston is moving. From there, I don't know how to draw the graph.
 
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  • #2
Read the problem text again. Does it ask the work?

ehild
 

FAQ: External pressure on a piston with/without friction

What is external pressure on a piston?

External pressure on a piston refers to the force exerted on the surface of a piston from the outside. This pressure can come from various sources, such as gases or liquids, and can impact the movement and behavior of the piston.

How does external pressure affect a piston with friction?

External pressure can cause a piston with friction to experience more resistance, making it more difficult to move. This is because the friction between the piston and its surrounding surface increases as the external pressure pushes against the piston.

What happens to a piston without friction under external pressure?

A piston without friction will experience less resistance to movement under external pressure compared to a piston with friction. This is because there is no friction to counteract the force of the external pressure, allowing the piston to move more easily.

Can external pressure damage a piston?

Yes, external pressure can damage a piston if it is too strong or applied in the wrong direction. This can cause the piston to bend or break, leading to potential malfunctions in the machinery it is a part of.

How can the effects of external pressure on a piston be minimized?

The effects of external pressure on a piston can be minimized by reducing friction between the piston and its surrounding surface, as well as reinforcing the piston to withstand the force of the pressure. Additionally, proper maintenance and regular inspections can help identify and address any potential issues before they become major problems.

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