Which of the following p-V curve represents maximum work done?
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- [figure]
- [figure]
- [figure]
Answer
(2) [figure]
Solution
As per NCERT, work done in an expansion is equal to the area under the p–V curve between the initial and final volumes, w = - ViVf pex dV.
⇒ In (1) the process is cyclic; the work equals only the small area enclosed by the loop.
⇒ In (3) the line is vertical, i.e., volume does not change (dV = 0), so no work is done.
⇒ In (2) and (4) the gas expands isothermally from the same high pressure, but in (2) the pressure falls slowly and the expansion goes on to a much larger volume.
∴ The area under the curve, and hence the magnitude of work done, is maximum in (2).
Answer: (2)