Question

The pressure-volume work for an ideal gas can be calculated by using the expression W = $\int P.dV$. The work can also be calculated from P-V diagram by using the area under the curve within the specified limits. When an ideal gas is compressed (i) reversibly or (ii) irreversibly from volume $V_i$ to $V_f$, choose the correct option about word done in the two processes.

• A. $W_{reversible}$ = $W_{irreversible}$
• B. $W_{reversible}$ < $W_{irreversible}$
• C. $W_{reversible}$ > $W_{irreversible}$
• D. $W_{reversible}$ = $W_{irreversible}$ + $P_{ex}\Delta V$

Answer 1

The correct option is C $W_{reversible}$ > $W_{irreversible}$

The carnot principle states that the work done by the reversible process is always greater than that of a reversible process operating between the same two thermal reservoirs, i.e., $w_{reversible}>w_{irreversible}$