Physics · Oct / Nov 2024 · Paper 11 · Question 21

Air at atmospheric pressure and room temperature is trapped in an insulated container by a frictionless piston of negligible weight. The air can be compressed by placing masses on top of the piston. [diagram: masses, piston, trapped air, container] A mass of 1.0 kg is placed on the piston and the volume of the trapped air decreases from 100 cm³ to 90 cm³. Which statement is correct?

1. AAdding another 1.0 kg mass decreases the volume of the air by less than 10 cm³.
2. BAdding an additional 9.0 kg mass reduces the volume of the air to zero.
3. CThe pressure of the trapped air is less than atmospheric pressure when its volume is 90 cm³.
4. DThe temperature of the air decreases as the 1.0 kg mass is added.

As printed in the paper