Question

The work done on the system in an adiabatic compression depends on :

• A. the increase in internal energy of the system
• B. the decrease in internal energy
• C. the change in volume of the system
• D. all of the above

Answer 1

Answer: (A), (C)

The correct options are
A the increase in internal energy of the system
C the change in volume of the system

First law of thermodynamics states that,

$dQ=dU-dW$

$\therefore dW=dQ-dU$ ...(1)

In adiabatic compression internal energy of the system does not decrease.

$\therefore$ In this case $dU=$increase in internal energy of the system...(2)

Also, $dQ=dU+P.dV$.....(3)

From eq (1) and (2) we get,

$dW=P.dV$ ...(4)
Therefore, From eq (1),(2) and (4) it is clear that work done on the system in an adiabatic compression depends on
Increase in internal energy as well as change in volume.