IB Physics HL B 4 9 Hl Gas Processes Questions

Compare HL isothermal, isobaric, isochoric and adiabatic gas processes using P–V paths, work, internal energy, heat transfer and process definitions.

Exam points

Identify isochoric, isobaric, isothermal and adiabatic processes from the variable or heat-transfer condition held fixed.
Use pV=constant or PV^(5/3)=constant to calculate state variables and distinguish isothermal from adiabatic curves.
Sketch and interpret PV paths and cycles, including vertical isochoric lines and the relative curvature of isothermal and adiabatic expansions.
Explain how adiabatic and isothermal conditions determine heat transfer, work and temperature or internal-energy changes.

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This question is in two parts

A gas undergoes a thermodynamic cycle. The P-V diagram for the cycle is shown below.

In the changes of state B to C and D to A , the gas behaves as an ideal gas and the changes in state are adiabatic.

State what is meant by an adiabatic change of state.

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