During an isothermal process,5.0 J of heat is removed from an ideal gas.What is the work done by the gas in the process?
A)0 J
B)5.0 J
C)-5.0 J
D)-10 J

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

During an isothermal process, the temperature remains constant, so the internal energy of the gas remains constant. Therefore, the change in internal energy, ΔU, is zero. According to the first law of thermodynamics, ΔU = Q - W, where Q is the heat supplied to the gas and W is the work done by the gas. In this case, 5.0 J of heat is removed from the gas, so Q is negative (-5.0 J). Since ΔU is zero, we can rearrange the equation to solve for W: 
W = Q - ΔU = -5.0 J - 0 J = -5.0 J 
Therefore, the work done by the gas is -5.0 J, which means that the gas has done work on its surroundings. The negative sign indicates that the work done is in the direction opposite to the direction of the displacement of the boundary.

During an Isothermal Process,5