an ideal gas undergoes an isothermal constant temperature expansion in this process the work done by the gas on the surroundings is

HESI A2

HESI A2 Physics

1. During an isothermal (constant temperature) expansion, what is the work done by the gas on the surroundings?

A. Positive and equal to the change in internal energy.
B. Zero.
C. Negative and equal to the change in internal energy.
D. Positive and greater than the change in internal energy.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In an isothermal expansion, the temperature remains constant, meaning there is no change in internal energy. However, the gas still does work on the surroundings as it expands, and this work is positive. Since internal energy does not change, the correct answer is D, 'Positive and greater than the change in internal energy.' Choice A is incorrect because the work done is not equal to the change in internal energy. Choice B is incorrect as work is done during the expansion. Choice C is incorrect since the work done is not negative during an isothermal expansion.

2. What is the main difference between a reversible and irreversible process in thermodynamics?

A. Reversible processes involve heat transfer, while irreversible processes do not.
B. Reversible processes occur instantaneously, while irreversible processes take time.
C. Reversible processes can be run in both directions with the same outcome, while irreversible processes cannot.
D. Reversible processes violate the first law of thermodynamics.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A reversible process is an idealized process that can be reversed without leaving any change in either the system or the surroundings. In contrast, irreversible processes cannot be reversed and often involve entropy production or dissipation. Choice A is incorrect because both reversible and irreversible processes can involve heat transfer. Choice B is incorrect as the speed of a process does not determine its reversibility. Choice D is incorrect because reversible processes do not violate the first law of thermodynamics; they comply with it by maintaining a balance between energy inputs and outputs. Therefore, the correct answer is C, as it accurately captures the main difference between reversible and irreversible processes in thermodynamics.

3. Which characteristic does a transverse wave not have?

A. a compression
B. an amplitude
C. a frequency
D. a wavelength

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A transverse wave does not have a compression because transverse waves move perpendicular to the direction of the oscillation. In a transverse wave, the particles move up and down, causing crests and troughs, without creating compressions. Compressions are characteristic of longitudinal waves where the particles move parallel to the direction of the wave. The other choices (B, C, and D) are characteristics that transverse waves possess: amplitude is the maximum displacement of a wave from its equilibrium position, frequency is the number of complete oscillations a wave makes in a given time, and wavelength is the distance between two consecutive points in a wave that are in the same phase.

4. A Carnot cycle is a theoretical ideal heat engine operating between two heat reservoirs at different temperatures. Which of the following statements is NOT true about a Carnot cycle?

A. The efficiency of a Carnot cycle is solely dependent on the absolute temperatures of the hot and cold reservoirs.
B. It is a reversible cycle, meaning the process can be run in both directions with the same efficiency.
C. It operates isothermally at the hot and cold reservoir temperatures.
D. It is the most efficient heat engine operating between the same two reservoir temperatures.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The statement that is NOT true is C. Although part of the Carnot cycle operates isothermally, not the entire cycle operates isothermally. The Carnot cycle consists of both isothermal and adiabatic processes. Choice A is incorrect because the efficiency of a Carnot cycle is indeed solely dependent on the absolute temperatures of the hot and cold reservoirs. Choice B is correct as a Carnot cycle is reversible, allowing the process to be run in both directions with the same efficiency. Choice D is also true as the Carnot cycle is the most efficient heat engine operating between the same two reservoir temperatures. Therefore, the correct answer is C.

5. During adiabatic compression of a gas, what happens to its temperature?

A. Remains constant
B. Decreases
C. Increases
D. Becomes unpredictable without additional information

Correct answer: C

Rationale: During adiabatic compression, the gas's temperature increases. This is because no heat is exchanged with the surroundings, and all the work done on the gas results in an increase in internal energy. Choice A is incorrect because the temperature does not remain constant during adiabatic compression. Choice B is incorrect as the temperature does not decrease. Choice D is incorrect as the behavior of the gas's temperature during adiabatic compression is predictable based on the principles of thermodynamics.