Read before you solve · 3 min
Read Gas Processes: Link Heat, Work and Internal Energy
Every ideal-gas process is governed by Q = ΔU + W. The path determines W, while ΔU depends only on temperature change.
NSEP · Thermodynamics · 3 linked questions · 100% coverage
Know this first
Thermodynamic Energy Balance in a Process is the central idea in this question pattern. Identify the condition in the stem before applying the method below.
Study deeper: NCERT Physics · Thermodynamics
Start with the condition
PV = nRT to connect the stated volume, pressure or temperature change
For a monatomic ideal gas,
ΔU = three-halves nR ΔT
Build the governing relation
Translate wording such as heat dissipated into the environment into the sign of Q before solving.
Finish with a physical check
Check the limiting case before selecting an option: remove the special feature in the diagram or make the relevant parameter very large or very small. The result should reduce to a familiar relation.
OlympIQ exam lens
- ✓State the physical condition before choosing a formula.
- ✓Keep direction, sign and constraint information explicit.
- ✓Test one limiting case before committing to an option.
OlympIQ trap
Applying a constant-pressure heat-capacity formula to a compression with an unspecified path ignores the information actually supplied.
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