A sample of gas is taken from state 1 (1.0 atm, 1.0 L) to state 2 (1.0 atm, 4.0 L) by…
PHYSICS · Subjective · A Level · Physics · Further mechanics and thermal physics · Further mechanics and thermal physics
Problem
A sample of gas is taken from state 1 (1.0 atm, 1.0 L) to state 2 (1.0 atm, 4.0 L) by each of the three paths described below.
• Path A: isobaric expansion at 1.0 atm.
• Path B: straight-line path on the PV diagram from (1.0 atm, 1.0 L) to (3.0 atm, 4.0 L).
• Path C: first an isochoric pressure increase from 1.0 atm to 3.0 atm at 1.0 L, then an isobaric expansion at 3.0 atm to 4.0 L.
Rank the magnitude of the work done by the gas along the three paths from greatest to least. (Express your answer in the form C > B > A, etc.)