The work done in the expansion from an initial to a final state A) is the area under the curve of a PV diagram. B) depends only on the end point. C) is independent of the path. D) is the slope of a PV curve. E) equals P(V_F − V_i).

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The work done in an expansion can be calculated by finding the area under the curve of a PV diagram, which represents the work done on the system. The other choices are not correct as the work done depends on the initial and final states as well as the path taken, and cannot be calculated simply by looking at the slope or endpoint of a curve. Choice E includes variables that are not typically used to calculate work, and is therefore not a valid choice.

The Work Done in the Expansion from an Initial to a Final