FRQ — Thermodynamics

Long answer·Hard exam skill (4/5)·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 can go from the same initial state to the same final state by two paths. Path 1 is an isobaric expansion at

2.0\times10^5\text{ Pa}

from

0.010\text{ m}^3

0.040\text{ m}^3

. Path 2 first changes pressure at constant volume and then expands at

1.0\times10^5\text{ Pa}

to the same final volume.

Total: 4 marks

(a) Find the work done along path 1. (1 mark)

(b) Find the work done along path 2. (1 mark)

Your response (optional — you can also work on paper)

Something wrong with this item?