JEE MainChemistryThermodynamics (C)
An ideal gas initially at a pressure of 10 bar and a volume of 2 L expands isothermally against a constant external pressure of 2 bar until mechanical equilibrium is reached. The magnitude of heat exchanged during this process is x 10^2 J . The value of x is ______. (Given: 1 L bar = 100 J )
Correct answer
16
Step-by-step solution
The expansion continues until the pressure of the gas equals the external pressure. Thus, the final pressure of the gas is P_f = 2 bar . Since the process is isothermal, Boyle's law applies: P_i V_i = P_f V_f 10 2 = 2 V_f V_f = 10 L The work done during expansion against a constant external pressure is: W = -P_ ext (V_f - V_i) W = -2(10 - 2) = -16 L bar For an isothermal process of an ideal gas, U = 0 . From the first law of thermodynamics: Q = -W = +16 L bar Converting to Joules: Q = 16 100 J = 1600 J Comparing th