Question:

Which of the following p-V curve represents maximum work done?

Updated On: May 2, 2025
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

In terms of thermodynamics, the work done during a process involving a gas can be represented on a pressure-volume (p-V) diagram as the area under the curve. Therefore, to determine which p-V curve represents the maximum work done, we need to examine where the area under the curve is the largest.
Consider the following points:
  • The work done by a gas is represented by the integral of pressure with respect to the volume, mathematically expressed as \( W = \int PdV \). The area under the curve on the p-V diagram gives a visual representation of this integral.
  • A curve that encloses a larger area under it signifies greater work done by or on the system during the process.
  • Among the given curves, the work done is the maximum for the curve which has the largest enclosed area with respect to the volume axis, considering the initial and final states are fixed.
After analyzing the curves, the correct answer is the one represented by the following image:
This curve encloses the maximum area on the p-V diagram compared to the others, indicating that it represents the maximum work done.
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Concepts Used:

Thermodynamics

Thermodynamics in physics is a branch that deals with heat, work and temperature, and their relation to energy, radiation and physical properties of matter.

Important Terms

System

A thermodynamic system is a specific portion of matter with a definite boundary on which our attention is focused. The system boundary may be real or imaginary, fixed or deformable.

There are three types of systems:

  • Isolated System – An isolated system cannot exchange both energy and mass with its surroundings. The universe is considered an isolated system.
  • Closed System – Across the boundary of the closed system, the transfer of energy takes place but the transfer of mass doesn’t take place. Refrigerators and compression of gas in the piston-cylinder assembly are examples of closed systems.
  • Open System – In an open system, the mass and energy both may be transferred between the system and surroundings. A steam turbine is an example of an open system.

Thermodynamic Process

A system undergoes a thermodynamic process when there is some energetic change within the system that is associated with changes in pressure, volume and internal energy.

There are four types of thermodynamic process that have their unique properties, and they are:

  • Adiabatic Process – A process in which no heat transfer takes place.
  • Isochoric Process – A thermodynamic process taking place at constant volume is known as the isochoric process.
  • Isobaric Process – A process in which no change in pressure occurs.
  • Isothermal Process – A process in which no change in temperature occurs.

Laws of Thermodynamics

Zeroth Law of Thermodynamics

The Zeroth law of thermodynamics states that if two bodies are individually in equilibrium with a separate third body, then the first two bodies are also in thermal equilibrium with each other.

First Law of Thermodynamics 

The First law of thermodynamics is a version of the law of conservation of energy, adapted for thermodynamic processes, distinguishing three kinds of transfer of energy, as heat, as thermodynamic work, and as energy associated with matter transfer, and relating them to a function of a body's state, called internal energy.

Second Law of Thermodynamics 

The Second law of thermodynamics is a physical law of thermodynamics about heat and loss in its conversion.

Third Law of Thermodynamics

Third law of thermodynamics states, regarding the properties of closed systems in thermodynamic equilibrium: The entropy of a system approaches a constant value when its temperature approaches absolute zero.