Moderate

A sample of an ideal gas may: expand adiabatically or expand isothermally. The net flow of heat into the gas from the exterior is:

Correct answer: D. Zero in I and positive for II

  • A. Positive in each case
  • B. Negative for I and positive for II
  • C. Positive for I and negative for II
  • D. Zero in I and positive for II

Explanation

An adiabatic process, has no heat transfer (Q=0). For an isothermal expansion, the internal energy does not change (ΔU=0), but the gas does work (W>0). According to the first law (ΔU = Q - W), Q must be positive to equal the work done.

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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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