Physics 9702 · AS & A Level · The first law of thermodynamics

The first law of thermodynamics — practice question

Inside a cylinder there are $5.12\,\text{mol}$ of an ideal gas at pressure $5.60 \times 10^5\,\text{Pa}$ and volume $3.80 \times 10^4\,\text{cm}^3$.
(a)[2]

Determine the gas temperature.

(b(i))[2]

The average kinetic energy $E_K$ of one molecule of the gas is given by $E_K = \frac{3}{2}kT$, where $k$ is the Boltzmann constant and $T$ is the thermodynamic temperature. The gas is heated at constant pressure so that its temperature increases by $125\,\text{K}$. Use your answer in (a) to work out the new volume of the gas.

(b(ii))[3]

Calculate the rise in internal energy of the gas. Show your working.

(c(i))[2]

Use your answer in (b)(i) to find the external work done in the gas expansion.

(c(ii))[1]

Calculate the total thermal energy needed to heat the gas in (b).

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 10-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: Apply the ideal gas equation $pV = nRT$.

  • Full mark scheme, point by point
  • Step-by-step worked solution
  • Write your answer & get it marked instantly by AI