An ideal gas undergoes reversible expansion from the same initial state () under two different condi — Thermodynamics and Thermochemistry Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

The slope of the $P-V$ curve for a reversible isothermal process is $-P/V$, whereas for a reversible adiabatic process it is $-\gamma P/V$. Since $\gamma > 1$, the adiabatic curve is steeper and falls more rapidly, resulting in less area under the curve (less work done) compared to the isothermal expansion.