Answer : The order of process from (1) the least work done by the system to (5) the most work done by the system will be:
(1) < (5) < (3) < (4) < (2)
Explanation :
<u>The formula used for isothermally irreversible expansion is :</u>
where,
w = work done
= external pressure
= initial volume of gas
= final volume of gas
<u>The expression used for work done in reversible isothermal expansion will be,</u>
where,
w = work done = ?
n = number of moles of gas = 1 mole
R = gas constant = 8.314 J/mole K
T = temperature of gas =
= initial volume of gas
= final volume of gas
First we have to determine the work done for the following process.
(1) An isothermal expansion from 1 L to 10 L at an external pressure of 2.5 atm.
(2) A free isothermal expansion from 1 L to 100 L.
(3) A reversible isothermal expansion from 0.5 L to 4 L.
(4) A reversible isothermal expansion from 0.5 L to 40 L.
(5) An isothermal expansion from 1 L to 100 L at an external pressure of 0.5 atm.
Thus, the order of process from (1) the least work done by the system to (5) the most work done by the system will be:
(1) < (5) < (3) < (4) < (2)
