A typical thermodynamic problem involves some process that moves an ideal gas system from one state to another. To solve such a problem consider the following:

1. Draw a P-V diagram to get some idea what the work is.
2. Apply the First Law of Thermodynamics (this is a statement of conservation of energy).
3. Apply the Ideal Gas Law.

Remember that

• the internal energy is determined by the temperature
• the change in internal energy is determined by the change in temperature
• the work done depends on how the system moves from one state to another (the change in internal energy does not)