Question:hard

Two-thirds mole of an ideal diatomic gas is taken around the cyclic process \(ABCA\) shown in the figure. What is the amount of heat rejected by the gas to the surrounding in the path \(CA\)?

Show Hint

For an isobaric process: \[ Q=nC_P\Delta T \] For a diatomic gas, \[ C_P=\frac{7R}{2}. \] Using this directly, \[ Q = n\frac{7R}{2} \left( -\frac{P_0V_0}{nR} \right) = -\frac{7}{2}P_0V_0. \] Hence the heat rejected is \[ \frac{7}{2}P_0V_0. \]
Updated On: Jun 16, 2026
  • \(P_0V_0\)
  • \(\dfrac{3}{2}P_0V_0\)
  • \(\dfrac{5}{2}P_0V_0\)
  • \(\dfrac{7}{2}P_0V_0\)
Show Solution

The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Identify the path CA.
In this cycle the step CA happens at constant pressure $P_0$, with the volume changing from $2V_0$ at C down to $V_0$ at A. So CA is an isobaric (constant pressure) compression.
Step 2: Heat at constant pressure.
For an isobaric process the heat exchanged is $Q = nC_P\,\Delta T$, and for a diatomic gas $C_P = \frac{7R}{2}$.
Step 3: Find the temperature change using the gas law.
Since $PV = nRT$ and pressure is fixed at $P_0$, we get $nR\,\Delta T = P_0\,\Delta V = P_0(V_0 - 2V_0) = -P_0 V_0$.
Step 4: Substitute into the heat formula.
\[ Q_{CA} = n\cdot\frac{7R}{2}\,\Delta T = \frac{7}{2}\,(nR\,\Delta T) = \frac{7}{2}(-P_0V_0) \]
Step 5: Read the sign.
\[ Q_{CA} = -\frac{7}{2}P_0V_0 \]
The negative sign tells us heat leaves the gas.
Step 6: State the heat rejected.
The amount of heat given out to the surroundings is the magnitude, $\frac{7}{2}P_0V_0$. (The two-thirds mole value drops out because $nR\Delta T$ was found directly from $P_0\Delta V$.)
\[ \boxed{Q_{\text{rejected}} = \frac{7}{2}P_0V_0} \]
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