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 as the area under the curve of a PV diagram. This is because work is the product of force and displacement, and in a gas expansion, the gas exerts a force on the piston and moves it through a certain displacement. The area under the curve represents the work done, and this is true for any path taken from the initial to the final state. Therefore, choices B, C, D, and E are incorrect.

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