Moderate

A monatomic ideal gas is thermally insulated, so no heat can flow between it and its surroundings. Is it possible for the temperature of the gas to rise?

Correct answer: C. Yes. The temperature can rise if the work is done on the gas.

  • A. Yes. The temperature can rise if work is done by the gas.
  • B. No. The only way that the temperature can rise is if heat is added to the gas.
  • C. Yes. The temperature can rise if the work is done on the gas.
  • D. No. The only way that the temperature can rise is by adding more molecules in container.

Explanation

In a thermally insulated system, where no heat can flow between the gas and its surroundings, the change in internal energy of the gas is solely determined by the work done on or by the gas and not by heat transfer.If work is done on the gas, such as compressing the gas or applying external forces to it, the gas can gain energy. This increase in energy corresponds to an increase in temperature. The work done on the gas increases the kinetic energy of its molecules, leading to a rise in temperature.

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About First Law of Thermodynamics

The first law relates heat supplied, work done and the change in internal energy through energy conservation. Problems use sign conventions and apply the law to isothermal, adiabatic, isobaric and isochoric processes. Internal energy is a state function, while heat and work depend on the path followed.

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