Question

The gas cylinder in Figure Q19.11 is well insulated on all sides. The piston can slide without friction. Many small masses on top of the piston are removed one by one until the total mass is reduced by 50%.

a. During this process, are (i) ∆T, (ii) W, and (iii) Q greater than, less than, or equal to zero? Explain.

b. Draw a pV diagram showing the process.

Short answer

a. Negative, negative and zero

b. The adiabatic process is in down direction and right on the pV graph

Step-by-step solution

Definition of adiabatic process

Adiabatic process has been seen in the system when the energy does not transfer from one system to environment.

 Finding the  major points of the diagram.

a. As the gas is spreading in adiabatic nature, the final temperature is less than initial temperature. So $∆T$is negative .

(i) As the volume is greater than initial volume, the work done is negative .

(ii) Due adiabatic process has been seen in the diagram, heat exchange is zero.

(iii) The graph is left to reader and adiabatic initial and final point is at isotherm.

b. The direction of pV graph will be constructed on the right sides of the graph