Physics A-Level
Sign conventions for expansion and compression
What Sign conventions for expansion and compression means in Physics A-Level, as defined for AQA.
Definition of Sign conventions for expansion and compression
Check what you remember
Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain Sign conventions for expansion and compression in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.
Reference: AQA
For expansion the gas does work on the surroundings and the area is positive; for compression work is done on the gas and the area is negative relative to expansion.
Topics that use Sign conventions for expansion and compression
- The p–V diagram (A-level only) (AQA A-Level)
Related terms
- Adiabatic change
- Graphical integration and estimation techniques
- p–V diagram
- Work as the area under a p–V graph
- Consistency of units in thermodynamic calculations
- Equilibrium state
- Isothermal change
Using Sign conventions for expansion and compression in the exam
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