Work & Expansion
Mediumchemistry
For reversible isothermal expansion of an ideal gas, work done is maximum because:
Select the correct option:
Solution
Incorrect! Answer:
Process proceeds through infinite equilibrium steps
- Reversibility: A process is reversible if it is conducted so slowly that the system remains in equilibrium with its surroundings at all times.
- Pressure Factor: In a reversible expansion, the external pressure (Pext) is always infinitesimally less than the internal gas pressure (Pint).
- Work Formula: W=−∫PextdV.
- Work Magnitude: Since Pext≈Pint throughout the entire path, we integration along the highest possible pressure values for the entire volume change.
- Result: This yields the maximum possible work that can be extracted from the system (negative work value with max magnitude).
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About This Question
- Subject
- chemistry
- Chapter
- chemical thermodynamics
- Topic
- work & expansion
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Year
- 2025
Solution
Correct Answer:
Process proceeds through infinite equilibrium steps
- Reversibility: A process is reversible if it is conducted so slowly that the system remains in equilibrium with its surroundings at all times.
- Pressure Factor: In a reversible expansion, the external pressure (Pext) is always infinitesimally less than the internal gas pressure (Pint).
- Work Formula: W=−∫PextdV.
- Work Magnitude: Since Pext≈Pint throughout the entire path, we integration along the highest possible pressure values for the entire volume change.
- Result: This yields the maximum possible work that can be extracted from the system (negative work value with max magnitude).
This medium difficulty chemistry question is from the chapter chemical thermodynamics, covering the topic of work & expansion. It appeared in the 2025 exam.
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