Question

Consider two cylinders of gas identical in all respects except that one contains O₂ and the other He. Both hold the same volume of gas at STP and are closed by a movable piston at one end. Both gases are now compressed adiabatically to one-third their original volume. Which gas will show the greater pressure increase?

A)It's impossible to tell from the information given.
B)the oxygen (O₂)
C)Neither; both will show the same increase.
D)the He

Answer 1

D) He

Step-by-step explanation:

For adiabatic change

`PV^\gamma = constant`

\frac{P_2}{P_1} =(\frac{V_1}{V_2} )^\gamma

`(P_2)/(P_1) =((3)/(1) )^\gamma`

`P_2 = P_1 3^\gamma`

As the value of \gamma increases, P_2 increases.

\gamma for He is 1.67 and \gamma for O₂ IS 1.4

Naturally The value of P_2 is greater for He. Increase in pressure for He is greater.