Consider the following data for the isothermal expansion of an ideal gas under different conditions against a constant external pressure ( P_ ext ): Process P_ ext (bar) Initial Volume (L) Final Volume (L) I 1 2 6 II 2 1 2.5 III 3 1 2.5 IV 4 2 3 Which process results in the maximum magnitude of work done by the gas?

Step-by-step solution

The magnitude of work done during an irreversible isothermal expansion against a constant external pressure is given by |W| = P_ ext V . For Process I: |W| = 1 (6 - 2) = 4 L bar For Process II: |W| = 2 (2.5 - 1) = 3 L bar For Process III: |W| = 3 (2.5 - 1) = 4.5 L bar For Process IV: |W| = 4 (3 - 2) = 4 L bar Process III produces the maximum magnitude of work. Answer: Process III