In an isothermal process for an ideal gas system (where the internal energy doesn't change),which of the following choices best corresponds to the value of the work done on the system?
A)its heat intake
B)twice its heat intake
C)the negative of its heat intake
D)twice the negative of its heat intake

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In an isothermal process, the internal energy of the system remains constant. Therefore, from the first law of thermodynamics, the change in the internal energy of the system is zero, which means that the heat intake is completely transferred to work done on the system. Hence, the work done on the system is equal in magnitude but opposite in sign to the heat intake. This can be represented as W = -Q. Therefore, the best choice for the value of the work done on the system is the negative of its heat intake, which is represented by option C.

In an Isothermal Process for an Ideal Gas System (Where