An ideal isothermal gas is in a horizontal container. From an equilibrium position, it is compressed by a piston. Which of these statements best describes the behaviour of the piston once it is released to move freely?
A)The piston restores directly to the equilibrium position.
B)The piston is held in the same position by the atmospheric pressure acting on the outside.
C)The piston oscillates around the equilibrium position.
D)The gas responds by ejecting the piston.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When the piston is released after compression, the system will exhibit oscillatory behavior as the gas pressure tries to restore equilibrium. This results in the piston moving back and forth around the equilibrium position until frictional forces dampen the motion to a stop.

An Ideal Isothermal Gas Is in a Horizontal Container