An ideal gas is taken from state X to state Y by two different processes

PHYSICS · Single correct · A Level · Physics · Engineering physics · Engineering physics

Problem

An ideal gas is taken from state X

(P_0, V_0)

to state Y

(2P_0, 2V_0)

by two different processes. Process X: The pressure first increases at constant volume from

P_0

2P_0

, after which the gas expands at constant pressure

2P_0

to volume

2V_0

. Process Y: The gas follows a straight-line path on the

P

–

V

diagram connecting the two states. Compare the magnitude of the work done ON the gas,

|W_{\text{on}}|

, for the two processes. (a)

|W_{\text{on,X}}| = |W_{\text{on,Y}}|

(b)

|W_{\text{on,X}}| > |W_{\text{on,Y}}|

(c)

|W_{\text{on,X}}| < |W_{\text{on,Y}}|

(d) The comparison cannot be made without calculus.