Answer to Question #160609 in Molecular Physics | Thermodynamics for Darren

Question

An ideal gas is compressed to half its initial volume by means of several possible processes. Which of the following processes results in the most work done on the gas?
(a) Isothermal
(b) adiabatic
(c) Isobaric
(d) The work done is independent of the process.

Answer 1

Since work done is equal to the area under P-V curve between initial and final volume. As seen from the figure, this area is maximum for adiabatic process, less for isothermal and least for isobaric process. W_adiabatic ​> W_isothermal ​ >W_isobaric

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Answer: (b) adiabatic.