Concepts Of Physics MCQ Edition [Volume 2]PhysicsSpecific Heat Capacities of Gases
Examine the processes A and B displayed in the figure. It is possible that
Options
- Aboth processes are adiabatic
- Bprocess A is isothermal and process B is adiabatic
- Cprocess A is adiabatic and process B is isothermal
- Dboth processes are isothermal
Correct answer
B. process A is isothermal and process B is adiabatic
Step-by-step solution
The slope of a process on a p-V diagram is given by dp dV . For an isothermal process, pV = constant , which gives dp dV = - p V . For an adiabatic process, pV^ = constant , which gives dp dV = - p V . Since > 1 , the adiabatic curve is steeper than the isothermal curve. For expansion from the same initial state, the adiabatic curve will lie below the isothermal curve. In the given figure, curve B lies below curve A, meaning curve B is steeper than curve A. Therefore, it is possible that process A is isothermal and