Monatomic, diatomic, and polyatomic ideal gases each undergo slow adiabatic expansions from the same initial volume and the same initial pressure to the same final volume.The magnitude of the work done by the environment on the gas:
A)is greatest for the polyatomic gas
B)is greatest for the diatomic gas
C)is greatest for the monatomic gas
D)is the same only for the diatomic and polyatomic gases
E)is the same for all three gases

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The work done on the gas during an adiabatic process depends on the heat capacity ratio (γ = Cp/Cv). Polyatomic gases have a higher heat capacity ratio than diatomic and monatomic gases, leading to a greater magnitude of work done by the environment on the gas during adiabatic expansion.

Monatomic, Diatomic, and Polyatomic Ideal Gases Each Undergo Slow Adiabatic