An ideal gas is transformed from state to state at constant temperature by the…

PHYSICS · Single correct · AP · Physics 2: Algebra-based · Thermodynamics · Thermodynamics

Problem

An ideal gas is transformed from state

A\,(P_A = 3.0\,\text{atm},\, V_A = 2.0\,\text{L})

to state

B\,(P_B = 1.0\,\text{atm},\, V_B = 6.0\,\text{L})

at constant temperature by the following quasi-static paths: Path 1: isobaric expansion at

3.0\,\text{atm}

from

2.0\,\text{L}

6.0\,\text{L}

. Path 2: isochoric pressure drop from

3.0\,\text{atm}

1.0\,\text{atm}

2.0\,\text{L}

, then isobaric expansion at

1.0\,\text{atm}

from

2.0\,\text{L}

6.0\,\text{L}

. Path 3: direct isothermal path joining

A

and

B

. Which option gives the correct order of the magnitude of work done by the gas along the three paths? (a)

W_3 > W_1 > W_2

(b)

W_1 > W_3 > W_2

(c)

W_2 > W_3 > W_1

(d)

W_1 = W_2 = W_3