Question

Starting with the same initial conditions, an ideal gas expands from volume V₁ to V₂ in three different ways. The work done by the gas is W₁ if the process is purely isothermal, W₂ if purely isobaric and W₃ if purely adiabatic. Then 

(a) W₂ > W₁ > W₃ 

(b) W₂ > W₃ > W₁ 

(c) W₁ > W₂ > W₃ 

(d) W₁ > W₃ > W₂

Answer 1

Correct Answer is: (a) W₂ > W₁ > W₃ 

The three processes are plotted on a p-V diagram. AB is isobaric, AC is isothermal and AD is adiabatic. In each case, the work done is equal to the area under the curve.