Try it on paper first. A hint, the key idea and the worked solution are here when you need them.
of an ideal gas () at and expands to three times its volume, once isothermally and once adiabatically. Compare (a) the final pressures, (b) the final temperatures and (c) the work done. Give a reason for each. ()
Isothermal: , . Isobaric: , . Isochoric: , .
Adiabatic: , so . Along the way and stay the same. Squeezed, the gas warms; expanding, it cools.
Have you tried it?
Work it out on paper first. It is fine to get stuck or make a mistake: that is how we learn. When you are ready, go through the solution one step at a time, and check each step against your own.
Step 1. Pressures. Isothermal: . Adiabatic: , lower because the gas also cools.
Step 2. Temperatures. Isothermal: . Adiabatic: , because the work comes from .
Step 3. Work. Isothermal: . Adiabatic: .
Answer: The adiabatic expansion ends at a lower pressure ( against ), a lower temperature ( against ) and does less work ( against ).
Check. On the graph the adiabat lies below the isotherm, so the area under it is smaller.
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