Moderate

Sound passes through the air under the following process:

Correct answer: C. Adiabatic

  • A. Isobaric
  • B. Isothermal
  • C. Adiabatic
  • D. Both B and C

Explanation

The correct answer is Adiabatic. Sound waves propagate through air by compressing and rarefying air molecules. This occurs so quickly that there is no significant time for heat exchange with the surroundings, which characterizes an adiabatic process. In contrast, an Isobaric process, which involves constant pressure, does not align with the fluctuating pressures of sound waves. An Isothermal process, involving constant temperature, is inconsistent with the temperature changes caused by sound wave compressions and rarefactions. The option Both B and C is incorrect because sound propagation does not meet the criteria for isothermal processes.

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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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