Case study·Standard multi-step (3/5)·No calculator
Difficulty guide
The label describes the problem, not your ability.
1/5 - Foundational
Warm-up setup; checks one basic idea.
2/5 - Routine exam skill
Normal syllabus skill; usually one main rule or interpretation.
3/5 - Standard multi-step
Exam-style problem with multiple steps or a common trap.
4/5 - Hard exam skill
High-end exam problem; combines methods carefully.
5/5 - Challenge
Stretch problem beyond normal exam pressure.
Question
A gas is taken from state A to state C by either path I through B or by direct path II, as shown. The endpoints A and C are the same in both cases.
Total: 4 marks
(a) Which quantity is represented by the area under each path? (1 mark)
(b) Can the work done be different for paths I and II? (1 mark)
(c) Is the change in internal energy different for the two paths? (1 mark)
(d) What does the first law imply about heat supplied along the two paths if work differs? (1 mark)
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