Question

In which type of process is no work done on a gas? a) isothermal b) isochoric c) isobaric d) none of the above

Short answer

Answer: b) Isochoric

Step-by-step solution

Define the processes

Let's define each process. a) Isothermal process: It is a process in which the temperature of the gas remains constant. b) Isochoric process: It is a process in which the volume of the gas remains constant. c) Isobaric process: It is a process in which the pressure of the gas remains constant.

Understand the concept of work done in a gas

The work done on a gas can be defined as the energy transfer to the gas due to a change in its volume. Mathematically, the work done (W) can be expressed as: W = P ΔV where P is the pressure exerted on the gas and ΔV is the change in volume.

Determine in which process no work is done

Since the work done is related to the change in volume (ΔV), we need to determine in which process the change in volume is zero. Now, let's examine each process: a) Isothermal process: This process involves a change in volume and pressure while the temperature remains constant. Therefore, work can be done in this process. b) Isochoric process: In this process, the volume of the gas remains constant (ΔV = 0). According to the equation of work done (W = P ΔV), if ΔV = 0, then the work done will be zero. c) Isobaric process: This process involves a change in volume and temperature while pressure remains constant. Therefore, work can be done in this process.

Choose the correct answer

Among the given processes, the isochoric process (option b) is the one in which no work is done on a gas, as the volume remains constant (ΔV = 0). Therefore, the correct answer is: b) Isochoric