Question

The pressure-volume work for an ideal gas can be calculated by using the expression $W=-\int_{v_i}^{v_{f}} P_{ex}\, dV $ The work can also be calculated from $PV$ - plot by using the area under curve within the specified limits when an ideal gas is compressed (a) reversibly or (b) irreversibly from volume $V_{i}$ to $V_{f}$ Choose the correct option

• A. $W$ (reversible) = W (irreversible) + $P_{ex}\,\Delta\,V$
• B. $W$ (reversible) = W(irreversible) $ - p_{ex}. \Delta\,V$
• C. $W$ (reversible) = $W$ (irreversible)
• D. $W$ (reversible) $<\,W$ (irreversible)

Answer 1

Answer: (D)

$w_{\text{rev}} <\, w_{\text{irr}}$
Area under the curve is more in irreversible compression