If the external pressure on the piston is less than the internal pressure in the piston, then the ideal gas in the piston will be compressed, and the surroundings will perform work on the system.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

If the external pressure is less than the internal pressure, then the ideal gas in the piston will expand, not compress. The surroundings will still perform work on the system, but it will be positive work (i.e. work done on the surroundings by the system).

If the External Pressure on the Piston Is Less Than