Question

Work done in an adiabatic process between a given pair of end states depends on

• A. the end states only
• B. particular adiabatic process
• C. mass of the system
• D. none of the above

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

the end states only

End states are determined by the internal energy ($U$) levels at these states.

If heat energy $dQ$ is given to a system, then by first law of thermodynamics:

$dQ=dW+dU$

For an adiabatic process, $dQ=0$

Hence, $dW=-dU$

Above equation shows that work done in an adiabatic process depends only upon end states (determined by $U$).