A sample of an ideal gas is taken through an isothermal process at temperature
PHYSICS · Multi-part · A Level · Physics · Further mechanics and thermal physics · Further mechanics and thermal physics
Problem
A sample of an ideal gas is taken through an isothermal process at temperature 300K. Answer the following:
(i) State Boyle’s law for an ideal gas kept at constant temperature.
(ii) Using Boyle’s law, explain qualitatively why the product PV remains constant during the process.
(iii) On a properly labelled P–V graph, sketch the expected curve for the process starting from an initial point A. Indicate on the sketch the portions corresponding to compression and to expansion of the gas.
(iv) If the volume of the gas is reduced to half its initial value, describe what happens to the pressure and to the slope of the curve at that new point.