To determine the work done by one mole of a gas when it is heated at constant pressure through a temperature change of 1 K, we can use the principles of thermodynamics. The key concept here is the relationship between pressure, volume, and temperature for an ideal gas. Let's break this down step by step.
Understanding the Basics
When a gas is heated at constant pressure, it expands. The work done by the gas during this expansion can be calculated using the formula:
Where:
- W = work done by the gas
- P = pressure of the gas
- ΔV = change in volume
Relating Volume Change to Temperature Change
For an ideal gas, we can relate the change in volume to the change in temperature using the ideal gas law:
Where:
- n = number of moles of gas
- R = universal gas constant (approximately 8.314 J/(mol·K))
- T = absolute temperature in Kelvin
Since we have one mole of gas (n = 1), the equation simplifies to:
Now, if we increase the temperature by 1 K (ΔT = 1 K), we can find the change in volume (ΔV) at constant pressure. From the ideal gas law, we can derive:
Calculating Work Done
Substituting ΔV back into the work formula gives us:
Notice that the pressure (P) cancels out:
Since we have one mole of gas and the temperature change is 1 K, we can substitute:
This simplifies to:
Final Answer
Therefore, the work done by the gas when it is heated at constant pressure through a temperature change of 1 K is equal to R J. Given the options provided, the correct answer is (c) R J.
Summary
In summary, when one mole of an ideal gas is heated at constant pressure, the work done is directly proportional to the temperature change and the universal gas constant. This relationship highlights the fundamental principles of thermodynamics and the behavior of gases under varying conditions.