HEAT AND THERMODYNAMICS

Single Type
1. A mixture of 8gm of helium and 14gm of nitrogen is
enclosed in a vessel of constant volume at 300K. The
quantity of heat absorbed by the mixture to double the root
mean velocity of its molecules is (R = universal gas
constant)
(A) 2725 R (B) 3630 R
(C) 3825 R (D) 5625 R
Ans: (C)
Q = U + W
W = 0 since volume is constant
Q = U
Vrms = 3RT / M
Umix =U1 + U2
Umix = n1 C T + n2 C T = (n1 + n2) (Cv)mix T
v1 v2

(Uf) – (Ui) = nCv(T2 – T1) = (n1 + n2) (Cv)mix (T2–T1)

Vrms = 2Vrms  T = 4T
n1 = 84 = 2 ; n2 = 14
28
= 1/2
n1Cv1  n 2 Cv 2
(Cv)mix = ( n1  n 2 )

Uf – Ui = (n1 C + n2 C ) (T2 – T1)

v1 v2

=  2  32  12  52  R [1200 – 300]

17
4
× R × 100 = 3825 R

1
2. An expansion process on a diatomic ideal gas (Cv = 5/2 R),
has a linear path between the initial and final coordinates
on a pV diagram. The coordinates of the initial state are:
the pressure is 300 kPa, the volume is 0.08 m3 and the
temperature is 390 K. The final pressure is 90kPa and the
final temperature is 320 K. The change in the internal
energy of the gas, in SI units, is closest to:
(A) –11, 000 (B) –6500
(C) 11, 000 (D) zero
Ans: (A)
U = nCv T= n 52 R (Tf – Ti)
P1V1
n= RT1

U = P1V1
RT1
× 52 R (T2 – T1)
300  103  0.08 15  10 3  0.08  5
= 390
× 52 (320 – 390)= 39
× (–70)
=– 0.40
39
× 15 × 103 × 70 = – 40
39
×150 × 70= – 40
39
×10500
U = –11000 Joule

3. An ideal gas is taken through the cycle A B  C  A,

as shown in the figure. If the net heat supplied to the gas in
the cycle is 5 J, the work done by the gas in the process
C  A is –
C
2 B
3
V(m )
1 A

10 P(N/m2)

(A) –5 J (B) – 10 J
(C) – 15 J (D) – 20 J
2
Ans: (A)
WAB = PV = (10) (2 – 1) = 10 J
WBC = 0
From first law of thermodynamics
Q = W + U
U = 0 (process ABCA is cyclic)
 Q = WAB + WBC + WCA
 WCA = Q – WAB – WBC = 5 – 10 – 0 = – 5 J

4. The curves shown represent adiabatic curves for

monoatomic, diatomic & polyatomic
( = 4/3) gases. The slopes for curves 1,2,3 respectively at
point A are –
P
12 3

P
A

T
T

(A) 2.5 TP , 3. 5 TP , 4.5 P

T
(B) 2.5 TP , 3 TP , 4 P
T

(C) 2.5 TP , 3.5 TP , 4 P

T
(D) 4 TP , 3.5 TP , 2.5 P
T

Ans: (D)
For adiabatic process:
dP
Slope : dT =   – 1  TP
 

= 5 dP
3 dT
=  5/3  P
 
 5 / 3 1  T
= 5/3 P
2/3 T
P
= 2.5 T

= 7 dP
5 dT
=  7/5 P
 
 2/5 T
= 3.5 P
T

3
= 4 dP
=  4/3 P
  =4 P
3 dT  1/ 3  T T

5. The internal energy of a diatomic gas is given as U = U0V,

where U0 is a constant. Molar heat capacity of gas is -
(A) 52 R (B) 72 R
9 3
(C) 2
R (D) 2
R
Ans: (B)
U = U0V  nCVT = U0V  T isobaric process
P dV
C  CV 
n dT
dV
dT
= constant
P nRT nRT
n
= V
= constant T
R
C = CV + constant
5 7
C = CV + R = 2
R+R= 2
R

6. A gas undergoes process ABCDAC. Work done by gas is –

A C
200 kPa
P

100 kPa
D B

100 cc 200 cc
V

(A) 5 kJ (B) 2.5 kJ

(C) – 5 kJ (D) 7.5 kJ
Ans: (B)

4
A C
P

O
D B

Work done = area (AOD) + area (AOC) – area (BOC)

= area (AOC)
= 2.5 kJ

7. Heat is supplied to a diatomic gas at constant pressure. The

ratio of Q: U: W is –
(A) 5 : 3 : 2 (B) 5 : 2 : 3
(C) 7 : 5 : 2 (D) 7 : 2 : 5
Ans: (C)
Q = nCP T = 72 nRT  7 
C  R 
P
 2 

U = nCV T = 52 nRT  5 
 CV  R 
 2 

and W = Q – U = nRT
Q : U : W = 7 : 5 : 2

8. A gas is expanded from volume V0 to 2V0 under three

different processes. Process 1 is isobaric, process 2 is
isothermal and process 3 is isothermal and process 3 is
adiabatic. Let U1, U2 and U3 be the change in internal
energy of the gas in these three processes. Then –

5
P

1
P0
2
3

V
V0 2V0

(A) U1 > U2 > U3 (B)U1 < U2 < U3
(C)U2 <U1 < U3 (D) U2 < U3 < U1
Ans: (A)
Process 2 is an isothermal process
Hence, U2 = 0
Process 1 is an isobaric (P = constant) expansion.
Hence, temperature of the gas will increase
or U1 = positive
Process 3 is an adiabatic expansion. Hence, temperature will
decrease
orU3 = negative
Therefore, U1 > U2 > U3 is the correct option.

9. The relation between U, P and V for an ideal gas is U=

2 + 3 P V. The gas is –
(A) monoatomic (B) diatomic
(C) polyatomic (D) either a monoatomic or
diatomic
Ans: (C)
For an adiabatic process dQ = 0 = dU + dW
or 0 = dU + PdV
From the given equation
6
dU = 3 (PdV + VdP)
0 = 3 (PdV + VdP) + PdV
or 4P (dV) + 3V (dP) = 0
 dP 
or 4  dV  = – 3  

 
V p 

On integrating, we get
ln(V4) + ln(P3) = constant
or PV4/3 = constant
i.e = 43
i.e., gas is polyatomic.

10. A carnot engine works between ice point and steam point.
It is desired to increase efficiency by 20%, by changing
temperature of sink to –
(A) 253 K (B) 293 K
(C) 303 K (D) 243 K
Ans: (A)
Temp. of source T1 = 100 + 273 = 373 K.
Temp of sink T2 = 0 + 273 = 273 K.
Efficiency of carnot engine
 = 1 – TT = 1 – 373
2 273
1

 = 100
373

To increase  = 100
373
+ 100
373
× 1
5
= 120
373

= 1 – 373
T
= 120
2
373
 120
or T2 = 373373 × 373 = 253 K.

7
Multiple Correct Type
11. Temperature of 1000 grams of nitrogen is raised from –
20ºC to 100ºC at constant pressure. Given: specific heat at
constant volume Cv = 5 cal/mole ºC and R = 2Cal/mole ºC
(A) Heat required in the process is 30 K Cal
(B) Increase in the internal energy of gas is 21 Kcal
(C) If process is at constant volume then heat required is 21
Kcal
(D) external work done is 10 KCal
Ans: (A, B, C)
(A) Heat required is - Q = nCpT = n(Cv + R)T= 1000 28
[5 +
2] × 120 = 30 × 103 cal
Q = 30 Kcal
(B) The increase in the internal energy is U = nCvT =
1000
28
× 5 × 120 = 21 Kcal
(C) Q = nCvT + PV for constant volume V = 0
Q = nCvT = 21 Kcal
(D) external work done is W = Q – U = 8.6 KCal

12. 10 litres of ideal gas at atmospheric pressure is compressed

isothermally to volume of 1 litre and then allowed to
expand adiabatically to 10 litres. Choose the correct options
related to this -
(A) Net work is done on gas.
(B) Net work is done by gas.

8
(C) Final pressure is equal to initial pressure.
(D) final pressure is less than initial pressure.
Ans: (A, D)
P
isotherm

A
Pi Pi

Pf adiabat C Pf
1 litres 10 litres

AB: isotherm
BC : adiabat
* Area under AB curve is more than BC Curve hence het
work done is negative and hence work is done on system
(gas). As can be seen from graph Pf final pressure is less than
initial pressure Pi i.e Pf < Pi

13. Figure shows an indicator diagram. During path 1–2–3, 100

cal is given to the system and 40 cal worth work is done.
During path 1 – 4 –3, the wore done is 10 cal. Then:
2 3
P

1 4

O
V

(A) heat given to the system during path 1–4–3 is 70 cal.

(B) if the system is brought from 3 to 1 along straight line
path 3 –1, work done is worth 25 cal.
(C) along straight line path 3–1 the heat ejected by the
system is 85 cal.
9
(D) the internal energy of the system in state 3 is 140 cal
above that in state 1.
Ans: (A, B, C)
The critical step is that work in path 1-3 is mean of that for
1-2-3 and 1-4-3 (considering areas).
For (A) 100 – 40 = x – 10 or, x = 70 cal.
(B) It is also correct as half of (40 + 10) is 25 cal.
(C) dU is –60, work is – 25
So, – 60 = dQ – (–25)
or, dQ = – 85 cal
Hence, option (C) is also correct.
(D) dU = 100 – 40 = 60 cal
Hence, option (D) is not correct.

14. Figure shows two paths that may be taken by gas from an
initial point i to final point f. Path 1 consists of an
isothermal expansion (work is 50 J in magnitude), an
adiabatic expansion (work is 40 J in magnitude), & then an
adiabatic compression (work is 25 J in magnitude) –
P i (A)

(B)
f (E)
path 2 (D)
F G (C)
V

(A) Change in internal energy in path 2, i.e. n path AFGE is

– 15J.
(B) Heat transferred in path AB is 50 J.
(C) Internal energy change in path DE is – 15 J.
10
(D) Work done is greatest in path FG.
Ans: (A, B)
UAB + UBC + UCD + UDE = Uif
0 + (– WBC) + 0 + (– WDE) = Uif
– 40 J + (– (– 25)) = Uif
– 40 + 25 = Uif
Uif = – 15 J
For path AB : Isothermal process
QAB = WAB = 50 J

15. AB: isothermal (TA = 300 K)

BC: Adiabatic (Work = 5 J)
CD: Constant pressure (5 atm)
DE: Isothermal
EA: Adiabatic (Change in internal energy 8J) –
P
A

E B

D C
V

(A) work done in the cycle is 13 J.

(B) change in internal energy in path CD is – 3J.
(C) heat transferred in path DE is –11J.
(D) work done in EA is – 8J.
Ans: (B, D)
UAB +UBC +UCD +UDE +UEA = 0
0 + (– WBC) + UCD + 0 + (8J) = 0
11
(– 5J) + UCD + (8J) = 0
UCD = – 3J
QAB + QBC + QCD + QDE + QEA = WAB + WBC + WCD + WDE
+ WEA
(QCD – WCD) + QEA = WBC + WEA
– 3J – WBC = WEA
– 3J – 5J = WEA
WEA = – 8J

16. A gas is taken through a cyclic process. The change in

internal energy along the path from c to a is – 160 J. Heat
transferred along the path from a to b is 200 J and 40 J from
path b to c. Then -
P
c

a b
V

(A) work done in the cycle is less than 80 J.

(B) work done in path abc is 80 J.
(C) work done in path ab is 160 J.
(D) net heat transferred is less than 80 J.
Ans: (A, B, D)
For cyclic process Qnet = Wnet since cycle = 0
Qab + Qbc + Qca = Wab + Wbc + Wca
200 J + 40 J + Qca = Wabc + Wca
240 J + Qca = Wabc + Wca
240 J + Qca – Wca = Wabc
240 – 160 = Wabc
12
Wab + Wbc = Wabc = 80 J
Wab + 0 = 80 J
Wab = 80 J
Wnet = Wab + Wbc + Wca
Since Wca < 0, Wnet < 80 J

17. Figure shows ‘P’ vs ‘T’ diagram for cyclic process ABCA
undergone by ideal gas. Which of the following graph is
correct (U: internal energy) –
C B
P

C B C B
P P
(A) A
(B) A

V V

A B
A B

V V
(C) C (D) C

U T

(B, C)
Ans:
AB: Isochoric process with increase in P and T.
BC: Isobaric process with decrease in T and V.

13
CA: Isothermal process with decrease in P and hence increase
in V.
18. A certain mass of saturated water vapour is contained in a
cylindrical vessel under a weightless piston at one
atmospheric pressure. The piston is slowly lowered till 0.7
g of vapour gets condensed. The volume under the piston is
now only (1/5)th of the original volume. (Neglect the
volume of liquid formed). Then -
(A) original mass of the vapour was 0.89 gm .
(B) original mass of the vapour was 1.14gm.
(C) temperature of vapour is 100ºC.
(D) temperature of vapour is 114ºC.
Ans: (A, C)
P1V1 = n1RT
P1 = vapour pressure = P0
If piston is lowered slowly, then the process is isothermal
V1 V2

n1 n 2
V1 V1 / 5

n1 n2

n2 = n1/5
0.7 gm vapour is condensed so
n – n2 = 018.7 …(i)
n1 = m
18
…(ii)
Dividing (i) by (ii),
4n1 / 5 0.7

n1 m

4m = 3.5

14
3.5
m= 4
= 0.87

19. An ideal gas undergoes an expansion from a state with

temperature T, and volume V1 to V2 through three different
polytropic processes A, B and C as shown in the P–V
diagram. If |EA|, |EB| and |EC| be the magnitude of
changes in internal energy along the three paths
respectively -
P
A
B
C
V1 V
V2

(A) |EA| < |EB| < EC| if temperature in every process

decreases.
(B) |EA| > |EB| > |EC| if temperature in every process
decreases.
(C) |EA| > |EB| > |EC| if temperature in every process
increases.
(D) |EB| < |EA| < |EC| if temperature in every process
increases.
Ans: (A, C)
If T1 > T2
then E0 > Ef
Hence (E0 – EA) < (E0 – EB) < E0 – EC
 |EA| < |EB| < |EC|
If T1 < T2 then E0 < Ef for all the processes
|EA| > |EB| > |EC|

15
20. For the PV diagram shown, for path 1-2-3, 100 J of heat is
given to the system and 40 J of work is done by the system.
For path 1-4-3 the work done by system is 10 J. Then -
P
2 3

1 4
V

(A) U3 – U1 = 60 joule, where U3 & U1 are internal energy

of gas
(B) for path 31 the heat is rejected and equal to 85 joule
(C) for path 1 4 the work done by system is 10 joule
(D) for path 1 4 the heat given to system is 20 joule
Ans: (A, B, C)
Path – 1,2,3,
Q = U + W, 100 = U + 40
U = 60 joule = U3 – U1
Path 1 – 4
W by gas = W by gas 1-4-3 = 10 joule
W for process 3 1 = 40 2 10 + 10 = 25 joule
Q = – 25 – 60 = – 85 joule

Numeric Type
21. A diatomic gas    1.4  does 200J of work when it is
expanded isobarically. Find the heat (in joule) in the power
of 102 given to the gas in the process.
Ans: (7)

16
5 7
For a diatomic gas Cv  R and CP  R. The work done in an
2 2
isobaric process is
W  p  V2  V1 

W = nRT2 – nRT1
or T  T  W
2 1
nR
The heat given in an isobaric process is
Q  nCP  T2  T1 
W 7
 nC P  W
nR 2
7
  200J  700J
2

22. A rod CD of thermal resistance 5.0 K/W is joined at the

middle of an identical rod AB as shown in fig. The ends A,
B and D are maintained at 100C, 0C and 25C
respectively. Find the heat current in CD in Watt. (Thermal
resistance of AB is 2.5 K/W & AC = CD).
A B
100
o
C 0C
o

D
o
25C
Ans: (4)
The thermal resistance of AC is equal to that of CB and is
equal to 2.5 K/W. Suppose, the temperature at C is . The
heat current s through Ac, CB and CD are
Q1 100C  
 ,
t 2.5 K / W

17
Q 2   0C

t 2.5 K / W

and Q3    25C

t 5.0 K / W
We also have
Q1 Q 2 Q3
 
t t t

or, 100C      0C    25C

2.5 2.5 5
or, 225C = 5
or   45C
Thus, Q  45C  25C 
3 20K
= 4.0W
t 5.0K / W 5.0K / W

23. An insulated container is divided into two equal portions.

One portion contains an ideal gas at pressure P and
temperature T, while the other portion is a perfect vacuum.
If a hole is opened between the two portions, find the
change in temperature of the gas
Ans: (0)
As the system is thermally insulated,
Q  0

Further as here the gas is expanding against vacuum

(surroundings), the process is called free expansion and for
it,
W   PdV  0 [as for vacuum P = 0]
So, in accordance with first law of thermodynamics, i.e.
Q  U  W , we have

0  U  0, i.e. U  0 or U  constant

18
So, in this problem internal energy of the gas remains
constant, i.e. U  0 . Now as for an ideal gas
3
U  RT ,
2
i.e. U  T
So, temperature of the gas will also remain constant, i.e. T  0

24. A glass tube (co-efficient of linear expansion  ) is

completely filled with a liquid of co-efficient of volume
expansion  . If on heating the length of liquid column

doesn’t change then. Find the value of .

Ans: (2)
V  V0 (1  T )

Since, V  Al 0   A0 1  2T  l0  V0 1  2T 

So, V 1  T   V 1  2T     2.

0 0

25. Two containers A and B are connected by a conducting

solid cylindrical rod of length 242 cm and radius 8.3 cm.
7
Thermal conductivity of the rod is 693 watt/mole–K. The
container A contains two mole of oxygen gas and the
container B contains four mole of helium gas. At time t = 0
temperature difference of the containers is 50ºC, after what
time (in seconds) temperature difference between them will
be 25ºC. Transfer of heat takes place through the rod only.
Neglect radiation loss. Take R = 8.3 J/mole–K and   22 .
7

19
A B

O
2 H
e

Ans: (3)
Thermal resistance of the rod,
R
kA
When heat is transferred from first vessel to second,
temperature of first vessel decreases while that of second
vessel increases. Due to both there reasons, difference
between temperature of vessels decreases.
Let at an instant t, the temperature difference between two
vessels be .
 KA
H 
R
KA
dQ  Hdt  dt …(i)
Since, gases are contained in two vessels, therefore,
processes on gases in two vessels are isochoric.
Hence, decrease in temperature of gas in first vessel,
dQ dQ dQ
1   
nCV 2  5R 5R
2
Increase in temperature of gas in second vessel is
dQ dQ
2  
3R 6R
4
2
 Decrease in temperature difference (–d) = 1 + 2
dQ 11
 d  
R 30
KA11
or, d  dt
30R

20
or   d  KA 11  dt
25 t

50
 30 R 0

KA 11
or, n2  t
30 R
2
or t  .693  30  242 10  8.3  7
= 3 seconds.
693  7  22  8.3 104 11

26. Three bars each of area of cross section A and length L are
connected in series as shown in the figure. Thermal
conductivities of their materials are K, 2K and 1.5K. If the
temperatures of first and the last bar are 200ºC and 18ºC.
The value of 1 - 2 is 10 N+2 (in steady state). Find the
value of N.
K2 K1.
5K
2
00
ºC 1
8º
C

1
2

Ans: (4)
Q KA(200  1 )

t L
A(1  2 ) (  18)
 (2K)  (1.5 K) A 2
L L
or, 200  1  21  2 2  1.5 2  27

1  116C ,  2  74C

27. One mole of ideal monoatomic gas is taken along a cyclic

process as shown in the figure. Process 1  2 shown is
1/4th part of a circle as shown by dotted line process 2  3
is isochoric while 3  1 is isobaric. If efficiency of the
cycle is n% where n is an integer. Find n.

21
2P 2
0

P 3
0 1

V0 2V0

Ans: (4)
P0 v 0
Wnet  2P0 v 0   P0 v 0  
4
P v
Wnet  P0 v 0  0 0  4   0 0
Pv
; Put  = 3.14
4 4
P0 v 0  0.22 P0 v 0 
0.86
Wnet 
4
Now,
P0 v 0 
T1  U12  1 
3R
T2  T1 
R  2

4P0 v 0 
T2   Thus,  U 2 3  1 
3R
T3  T2 
R  2
2P v 
T3  0 0  U 31  1 
3R
T1  T3 
R  2

Q12  4.5P0 v 0   1.22P0 v 0   5.72P0 v 0 

Q 23  3P0 v 0  0  3P0 v 0 
Q 31  1.5 P0 v 0   P0 v 0   2.5 P0 v 0 
Wnet
Thus, efficiency 
 ve heat
0.22 P0 v 0 
  0.04
5.72 P0 v 0 
Thus, efficiency is 4%.

28. Two mole diatomic ideal gas is taken through the process
PT  const. Its temperature is increased from T K to 2T K . If 0 0

22
the work done by the system is xRT0, then find the value of
x.
Ans: (4)

W   PdV

Here PT = c (constant)
PV
P. c
nR

 P2V  ncR
ncR
P
V

 
V2
1
  PdV  ncR  dV  ncR  2 V2  V1 
V  
V1

 2[ nR.PT
2 2V2  nRPTV
1 1 1
]  2[ nRT2 (nRT2 )  nRT1 (nRT1 )

 2nR(T2  T1 )  4 RT0 .

29. A cylinder made of perfectly non conducting material

closed at both ends is divided into two equal parts by a heat
proof piston. Both parts of the cylinder contain the same
masses of a gas at a temperature t0 = 27° and pressure P0 =
1 atm. Now if the gas in one of the parts is slowly heated to
t = 57°C while the temperature of first part is maintained at
t0 the distance moved by the piston from the middle of the
cylinder will be (length of the cylinder = 84 cm)
Ans: (2)
Initially
L L

P
0,V
,T
0 0 P
0,V
,T
0 0

23
Finally
L
+x L
–x

P
1,V
,T
1 P
2,V
,T
2 0

For left part

P0 LA P1 (L  x)A
 A = area of cross section of piston
T0 T

 P1 
P0 L T P L 330
 0 …(i)
T0 L  x L  x 300

For right part

P0 LA = P2 (L - x) A
 P 
PL
…(ii)
0

Lx
2

P1 = P2
L
 x  2 cm .
21

30. Consider the shown diagram where the two chambers

separated by piston–spring arrangement contain equal
amounts of certain ideal gas. Initially when the
temperatures of the gas in both the chambers are kept at
300 K. The compression in the spring is 1 m. The
temperature of the left and the right chambers are now
raised to 400 K and 500 K respectively. If the pistons are
free to slide, the final compression in the spring (in cm) is
130 x. Find value of x.
3
00K 3
00K
V
ac
uum
1
m 1
m

Ans: (1)

24
Let l0 be the initial length of each chamber, x0 be the initial
compression in the spring, P0 and T0 be the initial pressure
and temperature in each chamber. Similarly l, x, P and T be
the respective final values. Since the chambers contain equal
amounts of certain ideal gas, so
P0 ( Al0 ) P1 ( Al1 ) P2 ( Al2 )
 
RT0 RT1 RT2


P0l0 Pl
T0
Pl
 11  2 2
T1 T2
…(i)
Initially Finally
P0A kx0 kx0 P0A P
A kx P
A
kx

P 0 A  kx0 …(ii) Here P1  P2  P, so

PA  kx …(ii)
From (ii) and (iii), we get
P x

P0 x0
…(iv)
Compression in the spring is
x  x  change in the lengths of the two chambers
0

 x  x0  (l1  l2 )  (l0  l0 )
P0l0 P0  T1  P0  T2 
 x  x0  (T1  T2 )  2l0 ( l1    l0 & l2   l0 )
PT0 P1  T0  P  T0 

 x  l  P0 x0
 x  x0   0   0  (T1  T2 )  2l0 (  )
 x   T0  P x
1 1 
 x 1    (900)  2
x  300 
3
 x 1   2
x
3
 x  1
x

 x2  x  3  0

25
Solving for x, we get,
X = 1.3 m = 130 cm.

26