Figure shows three paths through which a gas can be taken from the state A to the state B. Calculate the work done by the gas in each of the three paths.


We know that work done by the gas is given as

ΔW=PΔV


From graph we can write


VA =VC = 10cc=10×10-6m3


VD=VB = 25cc= 25×10-6m3


PB=PC=30kPa= 30×103Pa


PA=PD=10kPa=10×103Pa


Work done in path ADB WADB=WAD + WDB


WADB = PA (VD-VA) + 0 ( WDB =0 because VD=VB)


=10×103×(25-10)×10-6


=0.15J


Work done in path AB WAB= Pavg(VB-VA)



WAB=20×103× (25-10)×10-6


=0.30J


Work done in path ACB WACB= WAC+WBC


WACB = 0+PB(VB-VC) ( WAC=0 because VA=VC)


=30×103×(25-10)×10-6


=0.45J


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