Isothermal Compression
Fluid Mechanics · FE Reference Handbook section
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.
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
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
Step 1 — State the governing relation:
Step 2 — Rearrange the relation so that w stands alone on the left-hand side.
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.
Step 4 — Substitute the given values into the rearranged relation.
Step 5 — Evaluate:
Step 6 — Check: returning w = 92.1245 kJ/kg to
reproduces the given quantities, and both sides carry the same units.
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
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
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
Step 1 — State the governing relation:
Step 2 — Rearrange the relation so that T stands alone on the left-hand side.
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.
Step 4 — Substitute the given values into the rearranged relation.
Step 5 — Evaluate:
Step 6 — Check: returning T = 286.3 K to
reproduces the given quantities, and both sides carry the same units.
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
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
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
Step 1 — State the governing relation:
Step 2 — Rearrange the relation so that p_2 stands alone on the left-hand side.
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.
Step 4 — Substitute the given values into the rearranged relation.
Step 5 — Evaluate:
Step 6 — Check: returning p_2 = 650.8 kPa to
reproduces the given quantities, and both sides carry the same units.
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
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
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
Step 1 — State the governing relation:
Step 2 — Rearrange the relation so that w stands alone on the left-hand side.
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.
Step 4 — Substitute the given values into the rearranged relation.
Step 5 — Evaluate:
Step 6 — Check: returning w = 133.5 kJ/kg to
reproduces the given quantities, and both sides carry the same units.
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
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
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
Step 1 — State the governing relation:
Step 2 — Rearrange the relation so that T stands alone on the left-hand side.
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.
Step 4 — Substitute the given values into the rearranged relation.
Step 5 — Evaluate:
Step 6 — Check: returning T = 201.6 K to
reproduces the given quantities, and both sides carry the same units.
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
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
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
Step 1 — State the governing relation:
Step 2 — Rearrange the relation so that p_2 stands alone on the left-hand side.
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.
Step 4 — Substitute the given values into the rearranged relation.
Step 5 — Evaluate:
Step 6 — Check: returning p_2 = 604.1 kPa to
reproduces the given quantities, and both sides carry the same units.
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
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
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
Step 1 — State the governing relation:
Step 2 — Rearrange the relation so that w stands alone on the left-hand side.
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.
Step 4 — Substitute the given values into the rearranged relation.
Step 5 — Evaluate:
Step 6 — Check: returning w = 146.6 kJ/kg to
reproduces the given quantities, and both sides carry the same units.
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
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
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
Step 1 — State the governing relation:
Step 2 — Rearrange the relation so that T stands alone on the left-hand side.
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.
Step 4 — Substitute the given values into the rearranged relation.
Step 5 — Evaluate:
Step 6 — Check: returning T = 372.3 K to
reproduces the given quantities, and both sides carry the same units.
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
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
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
Step 1 — State the governing relation:
Step 2 — Rearrange the relation so that p_2 stands alone on the left-hand side.
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.
Step 4 — Substitute the given values into the rearranged relation.
Step 5 — Evaluate:
Step 6 — Check: returning p_2 = 2,516 kPa to
reproduces the given quantities, and both sides carry the same units.
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
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
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
Step 1 — State the governing relation:
Step 2 — Rearrange the relation so that w stands alone on the left-hand side.
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.
Step 4 — Substitute the given values into the rearranged relation.
Step 5 — Evaluate:
Step 6 — Check: returning w = 156.6 kJ/kg to
reproduces the given quantities, and both sides carry the same units.
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