Question

In an isothermal expansion of a gaseous sample the correct relation is:

(consider w(work) with sign according to new IUPAC convention)
[The reversible and irreversible processes are carried out between same initial and final states]

• A. $W_{rev}>W_{irrev}$
• B. $W_{irrev}>W_{rev}$
• C. $q_{rev}>q_{irrev}$
• D. cannnot be predicted

Answer 1

The correct option is A $W_{rev}>W_{irrev}$

The figure on the left is the graph for irreversible work and the figure on the right is the graph for reversible work.

$W_{rev}>W_{irrev}$ because the magnitude of pressure against which work is done is more in reversible than in irreversible one.