Exam-style question
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Which statement best describes compression work in thermodynamics?.
- A.It is the work done by a gas when it expands.
- B.It is the work done on a gas when it is compressed.
- C.It results in energy being transferred out of the system.
- D.It occurs when a gas does not change volume.
Model answer
What a good answer should say
- It is the work done on a gas when it is compressed.
Explanation
Why this works
Compression work is defined as the work done on a gas when it is compressed. The key difference is that this work involves external forces acting on the gas, increasing its internal energy, while expansion work involves the gas doing work on the surroundings.
Compression work applies in scenarios such as refrigeration and air conditioning systems. Thus, the correct option is that compression work is the work done on a gas when it is compressed.
Common mistake
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