Question

Consider a piston-cylinder arrangement containing a gas. This system is heated by placing it on the top of a burner. The system undergoes:

• A. a constant pressure process
• B. a constant volume process
• C. an adiabatic process
• D. an isothermal process

Hint:

In a piston-cylinder arrangement, heating the gas while allowing it to expand typically results in a constant pressure process.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the process.
In a piston-cylinder arrangement, when the system is heated by placing it on the top of a burner, the volume of the gas is allowed to expand and the pressure remains constant. This is typical for a constant pressure process.

Step 2: Explanation of options.
- (A) A constant pressure process occurs when the gas expands and is heated. - (B) A constant volume process would not allow the gas to expand. - (C) An adiabatic process would involve no heat exchange, which is not the case here. - (D) An isothermal process would involve constant temperature, which is not described here.

Final Answer: \[ \boxed{\text{A) a constant pressure process}} \]