Exam-style question
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In which scenario would you observe expansion work being performed?.
- A.When a gas is heated and expands in a cylinder.
- B.When a gas is cooled and contracts.
- C.When a gas is compressed in a piston.
- D.When a gas remains at constant volume.
Model answer
What a good answer should say
- When a gas is heated and expands in a cylinder.
Explanation
Why this works
Expansion work is observed when a gas is heated and expands in a cylinder, doing work on the piston. The key difference is that this process involves the gas performing work, while compression work involves work being done on the gas.
Expansion work applies in heat engines where gases expand to do work. Therefore, the correct option is that expansion work is observed when a gas is heated and expands in a cylinder.
Common mistake
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