Question Details

For irreversible expansion of an ideal gas under isothermal condition, the correct option is :

Options

A

∆U=0, ∆Sᵗᵒᵗᵃˡ=0

B

∆U≠0, ∆Sᵗᵒᵗᵃˡ≠0

C

∆U=0, ∆Sᵗᵒᵗᵃˡ≠0

D

∆U≠0, ∆Sᵗᵒᵗᵃˡ=0

Correct Answer :

∆U=0, ∆Sᵗᵒᵗᵃˡ≠0

Solution :

The correct option is ∆U=0, ∆Sᵗᵒᵗᵃˡ≠0.

Let us analyze the thermodynamic behavior of an ideal gas undergoing an irreversible expansion under isothermal conditions step-by-step:

1. Internal Energy Change (U) of an Ideal Gas:
For an ideal gas, the internal energy (U) is a function of temperature only. Since the process is carried out under isothermal conditions, the temperature remains constant (T=constant or T=0).
Therefore, the change in internal energy is:
U=0

2. Total Entropy Change (Stotal):
According to the second law of thermodynamics, for any spontaneous, irreversible process, the total entropy of the universe (system + surroundings) must increase:
Stotal=Ssystem+Ssurroundings>0
Since the expansion of the gas is irreversible, the total entropy change cannot be zero. Thus:
Stotal0

Combining these two results, we get:
U=0 and Stotal0

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  • JEE
  • intermediate
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  • chemistry, mathematics, physics

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  • chemistry, mathematics, physics