Question

Write the sign convention of work done during the expansion of gas.

Hint:

Remember, in terms of the first law of thermodynamics: during expansion, work ((W)) is less than zero ((W<0)), and during compression, work is greater than zero ((W>0)).

Answer 1

In thermodynamics, the sign convention for work done ((W)) is established as follows: [ W is negative when the system (such as a gas) expands, ] [ W is positive when the system is compressed, ] This convention reflects that during expansion, work is done by the system on its surroundings, which results in a transfer of energy out of the system, hence the negative sign.