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Isothermal Compression

Fluid Mechanics · FE Reference Handbook section

Fluid Mechanics
4 formulas
10 exam-style examples
~53 min
All Fluid Mechanics lectures

Handbook notes for this section

Definitions and conditions exactly as the handbook states them.

  • Wo comp , Pi, Pe, and ηc as defined for adiabatic compression

Core formulas for this FE topic

Definitions, applicability, units, assumptions and worked examples for each relation.

Worked exam-style examples

The four ways this section is written on the real exam — thoughts first, then equations, then substitution.

Example 1
Isothermal compression work — solve for specific work — Isothermal Compression

isothermal compression of air in a slow-speed compressor Given gas constant (R) = 254.0 J/kg*K; gas temperature (T) = 284.0 K; final pressure (p_2) = 520.0 kPa; initial pressure (p_1) = 145.0 kPa, determine the specific work (w) in kJ/kg.

Given

  • gasconstant(R)=254.0J/kg∗Kgas constant (R) = 254.0 J/kg*K
  • gastemperature(T)=284.0Kgas temperature (T) = 284.0 K
  • finalpressure(p2)=520.0kPafinal pressure (p_2) = 520.0 kPa
  • initialpressure(p1)=145.0kPainitial pressure (p_1) = 145.0 kPa

Find

specific work (w), in kJ/kg

Start with the thinking

  • The governing relation printed in this handbook section is Isothermal compression work.
  • Everything except w is given, so isolate w symbolically first — never rearrange after the numbers are in.
  • Tabulate each given with its unit and confirm the units are consistent with the relation before substituting.
  • Isothermal compression of a gas requires work computed from the logarithmic pressure ratio at constant temperature.

Step-by-step solution

  1. Step 1 — State the governing relation:

    w=RTln⁡(p2p1)w = R T \ln\left(\dfrac{p_2}{p_1}\right)
  2. Step 2 — Rearrange the relation so that w stands alone on the left-hand side.

  3. Step 3 — List the givens: gas constant (R) = 254.0 J/kg*K, gas temperature (T) = 284.0 K, final pressure (p_2) = 520.0 kPa, initial pressure (p_1) = 145.0 kPa.

  4. Step 4 — Substitute the given values into the rearranged relation.

  5. Step 5 — Evaluate:

    w=92.1245 kJ/kgw = 92.1245\ \text{kJ/kg}
  6. Step 6 — Check: returning w = 92.1245 kJ/kg to

    w=RTln⁡(p2p1)w = R T \ln\left(\dfrac{p_2}{p_1}\right)

    reproduces the given quantities, and both sides carry the same units.

Answer:
w=92.1245 kJ/kgw = 92.1245\ \text{kJ/kg}

Why the other options are there

  • 184.2 — kept a factor of two that cancels in the correct rearrangement.
  • 46.0623 — dropped that same factor in the other direction.
  • 101.3 — rounded an intermediate value before the final step.

Reference: FE Handbook — Isothermal Compression

Example 2
Isothermal compression work — solve for gas temperature — Isothermal Compression (2)

isothermal compression of natural gas held at constant temperature Given gas constant (R) = 251.0 J/kg*K; final pressure (p_2) = 770.0 kPa; initial pressure (p_1) = 121.0 kPa; specific work (w) = 133.0 kJ/kg, determine the gas temperature (T) in K.

Given

  • gasconstant(R)=251.0J/kg∗Kgas constant (R) = 251.0 J/kg*K
  • finalpressure(p2)=770.0kPafinal pressure (p_2) = 770.0 kPa
  • initialpressure(p1)=121.0kPainitial pressure (p_1) = 121.0 kPa
  • specificwork(w)=133.0kJ/kgspecific work (w) = 133.0 kJ/kg

Find

gas temperature (T), in K

Start with the thinking

  • The governing relation printed in this handbook section is Isothermal compression work.
  • Everything except T is given, so isolate T symbolically first — never rearrange after the numbers are in.
  • Tabulate each given with its unit and confirm the units are consistent with the relation before substituting.
  • Isothermal compression of a gas requires work computed from the logarithmic pressure ratio at constant temperature.

Step-by-step solution

  1. Step 1 — State the governing relation:

    w=RTln⁡(p2p1)w = R T \ln\left(\dfrac{p_2}{p_1}\right)
  2. Step 2 — Rearrange the relation so that T stands alone on the left-hand side.

  3. Step 3 — List the givens: gas constant (R) = 251.0 J/kg*K, final pressure (p_2) = 770.0 kPa, initial pressure (p_1) = 121.0 kPa, specific work (w) = 133.0 kJ/kg.

  4. Step 4 — Substitute the given values into the rearranged relation.

  5. Step 5 — Evaluate:

    T=286.3 KT = 286.3\ \text{K}
  6. Step 6 — Check: returning T = 286.3 K to

    w=RTln⁡(p2p1)w = R T \ln\left(\dfrac{p_2}{p_1}\right)

    reproduces the given quantities, and both sides carry the same units.

Answer:
T=286.3 KT = 286.3\ \text{K}

Why the other options are there

  • 572.7 — kept a factor of two that cancels in the correct rearrangement.
  • 143.2 — dropped that same factor in the other direction.
  • 315.0 — rounded an intermediate value before the final step.

Reference: FE Handbook — Isothermal Compression

Example 3
Isothermal compression work — solve for final pressure — Isothermal Compression (3)

isothermal compression work for a gas storage cylinder Given gas constant (R) = 254.0 J/kg*K; gas temperature (T) = 307.0 K; initial pressure (p_1) = 104.0 kPa; specific work (w) = 143.0 kJ/kg, determine the final pressure (p_2) in kPa.

Given

  • gasconstant(R)=254.0J/kg∗Kgas constant (R) = 254.0 J/kg*K
  • gastemperature(T)=307.0Kgas temperature (T) = 307.0 K
  • initialpressure(p1)=104.0kPainitial pressure (p_1) = 104.0 kPa
  • specificwork(w)=143.0kJ/kgspecific work (w) = 143.0 kJ/kg

Find

final pressure (p_2), in kPa

Start with the thinking

  • The governing relation printed in this handbook section is Isothermal compression work.
  • Everything except p_2 is given, so isolate p_2 symbolically first — never rearrange after the numbers are in.
  • Tabulate each given with its unit and confirm the units are consistent with the relation before substituting.
  • Isothermal compression of a gas requires work computed from the logarithmic pressure ratio at constant temperature.

Step-by-step solution

  1. Step 1 — State the governing relation:

    w=RTln⁡(p2p1)w = R T \ln\left(\dfrac{p_2}{p_1}\right)
  2. Step 2 — Rearrange the relation so that p_2 stands alone on the left-hand side.

  3. Step 3 — List the givens: gas constant (R) = 254.0 J/kg*K, gas temperature (T) = 307.0 K, initial pressure (p_1) = 104.0 kPa, specific work (w) = 143.0 kJ/kg.

  4. Step 4 — Substitute the given values into the rearranged relation.

  5. Step 5 — Evaluate:

    p2=650.8 kPap_{2} = 650.8\ \text{kPa}
  6. Step 6 — Check: returning p_2 = 650.8 kPa to

    w=RTln⁡(p2p1)w = R T \ln\left(\dfrac{p_2}{p_1}\right)

    reproduces the given quantities, and both sides carry the same units.

Answer:
p2=650.8 kPap_{2} = 650.8\ \text{kPa}

Why the other options are there

  • 1,302 — kept a factor of two that cancels in the correct rearrangement.
  • 325.4 — dropped that same factor in the other direction.
  • 715.9 — rounded an intermediate value before the final step.

Reference: FE Handbook — Isothermal Compression

Example 4
Isothermal compression work — solve for specific work (case 2) — Isothermal Compression (4)

isothermal compression of air in a slow-speed compressor Given gas constant (R) = 277.0 J/kg*K; gas temperature (T) = 293.0 K; final pressure (p_2) = 710.0 kPa; initial pressure (p_1) = 137.0 kPa, determine the specific work (w) in kJ/kg.

Given

  • gasconstant(R)=277.0J/kg∗Kgas constant (R) = 277.0 J/kg*K
  • gastemperature(T)=293.0Kgas temperature (T) = 293.0 K
  • finalpressure(p2)=710.0kPafinal pressure (p_2) = 710.0 kPa
  • initialpressure(p1)=137.0kPainitial pressure (p_1) = 137.0 kPa

Find

specific work (w), in kJ/kg

Start with the thinking

  • The governing relation printed in this handbook section is Isothermal compression work.
  • Everything except w is given, so isolate w symbolically first — never rearrange after the numbers are in.
  • Tabulate each given with its unit and confirm the units are consistent with the relation before substituting.
  • Isothermal compression of a gas requires work computed from the logarithmic pressure ratio at constant temperature.

Step-by-step solution

  1. Step 1 — State the governing relation:

    w=RTln⁡(p2p1)w = R T \ln\left(\dfrac{p_2}{p_1}\right)
  2. Step 2 — Rearrange the relation so that w stands alone on the left-hand side.

  3. Step 3 — List the givens: gas constant (R) = 277.0 J/kg*K, gas temperature (T) = 293.0 K, final pressure (p_2) = 710.0 kPa, initial pressure (p_1) = 137.0 kPa.

  4. Step 4 — Substitute the given values into the rearranged relation.

  5. Step 5 — Evaluate:

    w=133.5 kJ/kgw = 133.5\ \text{kJ/kg}
  6. Step 6 — Check: returning w = 133.5 kJ/kg to

    w=RTln⁡(p2p1)w = R T \ln\left(\dfrac{p_2}{p_1}\right)

    reproduces the given quantities, and both sides carry the same units.

Answer:
w=133.5 kJ/kgw = 133.5\ \text{kJ/kg}

Why the other options are there

  • 267.1 — kept a factor of two that cancels in the correct rearrangement.
  • 66.7664 — dropped that same factor in the other direction.
  • 146.9 — rounded an intermediate value before the final step.

Reference: FE Handbook — Isothermal Compression

Example 5
Isothermal compression work — solve for gas temperature (case 2) — Isothermal Compression (5)

isothermal compression of natural gas held at constant temperature Given gas constant (R) = 279.0 J/kg*K; final pressure (p_2) = 430.0 kPa; initial pressure (p_1) = 148.0 kPa; specific work (w) = 60.0000 kJ/kg, determine the gas temperature (T) in K.

Given

  • gasconstant(R)=279.0J/kg∗Kgas constant (R) = 279.0 J/kg*K
  • finalpressure(p2)=430.0kPafinal pressure (p_2) = 430.0 kPa
  • initialpressure(p1)=148.0kPainitial pressure (p_1) = 148.0 kPa
  • specificwork(w)=60.0000kJ/kgspecific work (w) = 60.0000 kJ/kg

Find

gas temperature (T), in K

Start with the thinking

  • The governing relation printed in this handbook section is Isothermal compression work.
  • Everything except T is given, so isolate T symbolically first — never rearrange after the numbers are in.
  • Tabulate each given with its unit and confirm the units are consistent with the relation before substituting.
  • Isothermal compression of a gas requires work computed from the logarithmic pressure ratio at constant temperature.

Step-by-step solution

  1. Step 1 — State the governing relation:

    w=RTln⁡(p2p1)w = R T \ln\left(\dfrac{p_2}{p_1}\right)
  2. Step 2 — Rearrange the relation so that T stands alone on the left-hand side.

  3. Step 3 — List the givens: gas constant (R) = 279.0 J/kg*K, final pressure (p_2) = 430.0 kPa, initial pressure (p_1) = 148.0 kPa, specific work (w) = 60.0000 kJ/kg.

  4. Step 4 — Substitute the given values into the rearranged relation.

  5. Step 5 — Evaluate:

    T=201.6 KT = 201.6\ \text{K}
  6. Step 6 — Check: returning T = 201.6 K to

    w=RTln⁡(p2p1)w = R T \ln\left(\dfrac{p_2}{p_1}\right)

    reproduces the given quantities, and both sides carry the same units.

Answer:
T=201.6 KT = 201.6\ \text{K}

Why the other options are there

  • 403.3 — kept a factor of two that cancels in the correct rearrangement.
  • 100.8 — dropped that same factor in the other direction.
  • 221.8 — rounded an intermediate value before the final step.

Reference: FE Handbook — Isothermal Compression

Example 6
Isothermal compression work — solve for final pressure (case 2) — Isothermal Compression (6)

isothermal compression work for a gas storage cylinder Given gas constant (R) = 270.0 J/kg*K; gas temperature (T) = 305.0 K; initial pressure (p_1) = 139.0 kPa; specific work (w) = 121.0 kJ/kg, determine the final pressure (p_2) in kPa.

Given

  • gasconstant(R)=270.0J/kg∗Kgas constant (R) = 270.0 J/kg*K
  • gastemperature(T)=305.0Kgas temperature (T) = 305.0 K
  • initialpressure(p1)=139.0kPainitial pressure (p_1) = 139.0 kPa
  • specificwork(w)=121.0kJ/kgspecific work (w) = 121.0 kJ/kg

Find

final pressure (p_2), in kPa

Start with the thinking

  • The governing relation printed in this handbook section is Isothermal compression work.
  • Everything except p_2 is given, so isolate p_2 symbolically first — never rearrange after the numbers are in.
  • Tabulate each given with its unit and confirm the units are consistent with the relation before substituting.
  • Isothermal compression of a gas requires work computed from the logarithmic pressure ratio at constant temperature.

Step-by-step solution

  1. Step 1 — State the governing relation:

    w=RTln⁡(p2p1)w = R T \ln\left(\dfrac{p_2}{p_1}\right)
  2. Step 2 — Rearrange the relation so that p_2 stands alone on the left-hand side.

  3. Step 3 — List the givens: gas constant (R) = 270.0 J/kg*K, gas temperature (T) = 305.0 K, initial pressure (p_1) = 139.0 kPa, specific work (w) = 121.0 kJ/kg.

  4. Step 4 — Substitute the given values into the rearranged relation.

  5. Step 5 — Evaluate:

    p2=604.1 kPap_{2} = 604.1\ \text{kPa}
  6. Step 6 — Check: returning p_2 = 604.1 kPa to

    w=RTln⁡(p2p1)w = R T \ln\left(\dfrac{p_2}{p_1}\right)

    reproduces the given quantities, and both sides carry the same units.

Answer:
p2=604.1 kPap_{2} = 604.1\ \text{kPa}

Why the other options are there

  • 1,208 — kept a factor of two that cancels in the correct rearrangement.
  • 302.1 — dropped that same factor in the other direction.
  • 664.6 — rounded an intermediate value before the final step.

Reference: FE Handbook — Isothermal Compression

Example 7
Isothermal compression work — solve for specific work (case 3) — Isothermal Compression (7)

isothermal compression of air in a slow-speed compressor Given gas constant (R) = 291.0 J/kg*K; gas temperature (T) = 299.0 K; final pressure (p_2) = 690.0 kPa; initial pressure (p_1) = 128.0 kPa, determine the specific work (w) in kJ/kg.

Given

  • gasconstant(R)=291.0J/kg∗Kgas constant (R) = 291.0 J/kg*K
  • gastemperature(T)=299.0Kgas temperature (T) = 299.0 K
  • finalpressure(p2)=690.0kPafinal pressure (p_2) = 690.0 kPa
  • initialpressure(p1)=128.0kPainitial pressure (p_1) = 128.0 kPa

Find

specific work (w), in kJ/kg

Start with the thinking

  • The governing relation printed in this handbook section is Isothermal compression work.
  • Everything except w is given, so isolate w symbolically first — never rearrange after the numbers are in.
  • Tabulate each given with its unit and confirm the units are consistent with the relation before substituting.
  • Isothermal compression of a gas requires work computed from the logarithmic pressure ratio at constant temperature.

Step-by-step solution

  1. Step 1 — State the governing relation:

    w=RTln⁡(p2p1)w = R T \ln\left(\dfrac{p_2}{p_1}\right)
  2. Step 2 — Rearrange the relation so that w stands alone on the left-hand side.

  3. Step 3 — List the givens: gas constant (R) = 291.0 J/kg*K, gas temperature (T) = 299.0 K, final pressure (p_2) = 690.0 kPa, initial pressure (p_1) = 128.0 kPa.

  4. Step 4 — Substitute the given values into the rearranged relation.

  5. Step 5 — Evaluate:

    w=146.6 kJ/kgw = 146.6\ \text{kJ/kg}
  6. Step 6 — Check: returning w = 146.6 kJ/kg to

    w=RTln⁡(p2p1)w = R T \ln\left(\dfrac{p_2}{p_1}\right)

    reproduces the given quantities, and both sides carry the same units.

Answer:
w=146.6 kJ/kgw = 146.6\ \text{kJ/kg}

Why the other options are there

  • 293.2 — kept a factor of two that cancels in the correct rearrangement.
  • 73.2903 — dropped that same factor in the other direction.
  • 161.2 — rounded an intermediate value before the final step.

Reference: FE Handbook — Isothermal Compression

Example 8
Isothermal compression work — solve for gas temperature (case 3) — Isothermal Compression (8)

isothermal compression of natural gas held at constant temperature Given gas constant (R) = 275.0 J/kg*K; final pressure (p_2) = 460.0 kPa; initial pressure (p_1) = 137.0 kPa; specific work (w) = 124.0 kJ/kg, determine the gas temperature (T) in K.

Given

  • gasconstant(R)=275.0J/kg∗Kgas constant (R) = 275.0 J/kg*K
  • finalpressure(p2)=460.0kPafinal pressure (p_2) = 460.0 kPa
  • initialpressure(p1)=137.0kPainitial pressure (p_1) = 137.0 kPa
  • specificwork(w)=124.0kJ/kgspecific work (w) = 124.0 kJ/kg

Find

gas temperature (T), in K

Start with the thinking

  • The governing relation printed in this handbook section is Isothermal compression work.
  • Everything except T is given, so isolate T symbolically first — never rearrange after the numbers are in.
  • Tabulate each given with its unit and confirm the units are consistent with the relation before substituting.
  • Isothermal compression of a gas requires work computed from the logarithmic pressure ratio at constant temperature.

Step-by-step solution

  1. Step 1 — State the governing relation:

    w=RTln⁡(p2p1)w = R T \ln\left(\dfrac{p_2}{p_1}\right)
  2. Step 2 — Rearrange the relation so that T stands alone on the left-hand side.

  3. Step 3 — List the givens: gas constant (R) = 275.0 J/kg*K, final pressure (p_2) = 460.0 kPa, initial pressure (p_1) = 137.0 kPa, specific work (w) = 124.0 kJ/kg.

  4. Step 4 — Substitute the given values into the rearranged relation.

  5. Step 5 — Evaluate:

    T=372.3 KT = 372.3\ \text{K}
  6. Step 6 — Check: returning T = 372.3 K to

    w=RTln⁡(p2p1)w = R T \ln\left(\dfrac{p_2}{p_1}\right)

    reproduces the given quantities, and both sides carry the same units.

Answer:
T=372.3 KT = 372.3\ \text{K}

Why the other options are there

  • 744.5 — kept a factor of two that cancels in the correct rearrangement.
  • 186.1 — dropped that same factor in the other direction.
  • 409.5 — rounded an intermediate value before the final step.

Reference: FE Handbook — Isothermal Compression

Example 9
Isothermal compression work — solve for final pressure (case 3) — Isothermal Compression (9)

isothermal compression work for a gas storage cylinder Given gas constant (R) = 288.0 J/kg*K; gas temperature (T) = 303.0 K; initial pressure (p_1) = 118.0 kPa; specific work (w) = 267.0 kJ/kg, determine the final pressure (p_2) in kPa.

Given

  • gasconstant(R)=288.0J/kg∗Kgas constant (R) = 288.0 J/kg*K
  • gastemperature(T)=303.0Kgas temperature (T) = 303.0 K
  • initialpressure(p1)=118.0kPainitial pressure (p_1) = 118.0 kPa
  • specificwork(w)=267.0kJ/kgspecific work (w) = 267.0 kJ/kg

Find

final pressure (p_2), in kPa

Start with the thinking

  • The governing relation printed in this handbook section is Isothermal compression work.
  • Everything except p_2 is given, so isolate p_2 symbolically first — never rearrange after the numbers are in.
  • Tabulate each given with its unit and confirm the units are consistent with the relation before substituting.
  • Isothermal compression of a gas requires work computed from the logarithmic pressure ratio at constant temperature.

Step-by-step solution

  1. Step 1 — State the governing relation:

    w=RTln⁡(p2p1)w = R T \ln\left(\dfrac{p_2}{p_1}\right)
  2. Step 2 — Rearrange the relation so that p_2 stands alone on the left-hand side.

  3. Step 3 — List the givens: gas constant (R) = 288.0 J/kg*K, gas temperature (T) = 303.0 K, initial pressure (p_1) = 118.0 kPa, specific work (w) = 267.0 kJ/kg.

  4. Step 4 — Substitute the given values into the rearranged relation.

  5. Step 5 — Evaluate:

    p2=2516 kPap_{2} = 2516\ \text{kPa}
  6. Step 6 — Check: returning p_2 = 2,516 kPa to

    w=RTln⁡(p2p1)w = R T \ln\left(\dfrac{p_2}{p_1}\right)

    reproduces the given quantities, and both sides carry the same units.

Answer:
p2=2516 kPap_{2} = 2516\ \text{kPa}

Why the other options are there

  • 5,032 — kept a factor of two that cancels in the correct rearrangement.
  • 1,258 — dropped that same factor in the other direction.
  • 2,767 — rounded an intermediate value before the final step.

Reference: FE Handbook — Isothermal Compression

Example 10
Isothermal compression work — solve for specific work (case 4) — Isothermal Compression (10)

isothermal compression of air in a slow-speed compressor Given gas constant (R) = 288.0 J/kg*K; gas temperature (T) = 312.0 K; final pressure (p_2) = 840.0 kPa; initial pressure (p_1) = 147.0 kPa, determine the specific work (w) in kJ/kg.

Given

  • gasconstant(R)=288.0J/kg∗Kgas constant (R) = 288.0 J/kg*K
  • gastemperature(T)=312.0Kgas temperature (T) = 312.0 K
  • finalpressure(p2)=840.0kPafinal pressure (p_2) = 840.0 kPa
  • initialpressure(p1)=147.0kPainitial pressure (p_1) = 147.0 kPa

Find

specific work (w), in kJ/kg

Start with the thinking

  • The governing relation printed in this handbook section is Isothermal compression work.
  • Everything except w is given, so isolate w symbolically first — never rearrange after the numbers are in.
  • Tabulate each given with its unit and confirm the units are consistent with the relation before substituting.
  • Isothermal compression of a gas requires work computed from the logarithmic pressure ratio at constant temperature.

Step-by-step solution

  1. Step 1 — State the governing relation:

    w=RTln⁡(p2p1)w = R T \ln\left(\dfrac{p_2}{p_1}\right)
  2. Step 2 — Rearrange the relation so that w stands alone on the left-hand side.

  3. Step 3 — List the givens: gas constant (R) = 288.0 J/kg*K, gas temperature (T) = 312.0 K, final pressure (p_2) = 840.0 kPa, initial pressure (p_1) = 147.0 kPa.

  4. Step 4 — Substitute the given values into the rearranged relation.

  5. Step 5 — Evaluate:

    w=156.6 kJ/kgw = 156.6\ \text{kJ/kg}
  6. Step 6 — Check: returning w = 156.6 kJ/kg to

    w=RTln⁡(p2p1)w = R T \ln\left(\dfrac{p_2}{p_1}\right)

    reproduces the given quantities, and both sides carry the same units.

Answer:
w=156.6 kJ/kgw = 156.6\ \text{kJ/kg}

Why the other options are there

  • 313.2 — kept a factor of two that cancels in the correct rearrangement.
  • 78.3081 — dropped that same factor in the other direction.
  • 172.3 — rounded an intermediate value before the final step.

Reference: FE Handbook — Isothermal Compression

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