Yes, indeed. We use the ideal gas relationship as the model for our working fluid in studying heat engines (e.g., the Carnot cycle). The four steps (2 adiabats and 2 isotherms) are plotted on a PV diagram (pressure versus volume) and the students use the area under the curves (i.e., P times V) to calculate work and energy transfers. In joules, of course, since 1 Pa m3 = 1 J.
Jim Jim Elwell wrote: > > At 10:52 PM 7/13/2002 -0400, James R. Frysinger wrote: > >...Try to understand that, as I teach physics I must convince my students > >that the pascal cubic meter is indeed a unit of energy. (Cf: PV=nRT) > > This is an interesting unit -- do you have some kind of problem for your > students that generates an answer in pascal cubic meters? > > Jim Elwell, CAMS > Electrical Engineer > Industrial manufacturing manager > Salt Lake City, Utah, USA > www.qsicorp.com -- Metric Methods(SM) "Don't be late to metricate!" James R. Frysinger, LCAMS http://www.metricmethods.com/ 10 Captiva Row e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Charleston, SC 29407 phone: 843.225.6789
