The first law of thermodynamics
16.2What the syllabus asks of you
- recall and use W = p∆V for the work done when the volume of a gas changes at constant pressure and understand the difference between the work done by the gas and the work done on the gas
- recall and use the first law of thermodynamics ∆U = q + W expressed in terms of the increase in internal energy, the heating of the system (energy transferred to the system by heating) and the work done on the system
Read the notes first
Chapter 16: The first law of thermodynamics
Drill this topic
Every question on The first law of thermodynamics, untimed, marked as you go.
Make a worksheet
Choose the years and how many questions, then print it with the answers on separate pages.
13 questions
1Oct / Nov 2021 · Paper 13 · Q16Show mark scheme →
A404 µJ
B404 mJ
C404 J
D404 kJ
Mark scheme
2May / June 2021 · Paper 13 · Q17Show mark scheme →
A0.80 × 10^-4 m^3
B1.60 × 10^-4 m^3
C3.20 × 10^-4 m^3
D4.00 × 10^-4 m^3
Mark scheme
3Feb / March 2021 · Paper 12 · Q16Show mark scheme →
A0.160 J
B0.641 J
C1.12 J
D4.49 J
Mark scheme
4May / June 2020 · Paper 13 · Q17Show mark scheme →
A1.0 × 10^–4 m^2
B2.5 × 10^–2 m^2
C5.0 × 10^–2 m^2
D1.0 × 10^–1 m^2
Mark scheme
5Feb / March 2020 · Paper 12 · Q14Show mark scheme →
A0.0040 m³
B0.0080 m³
C0.016 m³
D0.020 m³
Mark scheme
6Oct / Nov 2019 · Paper 11 · Q16Show mark scheme →
A15 J
B25 J
C30 J
D45 J
Mark scheme
7Oct / Nov 2019 · Paper 12 · Q14Show mark scheme →
A9.2 × 10² J
B9.2 × 10⁴ J
C9.2 × 10⁶ J
D9.2 × 10⁸ J
Mark scheme
8Oct / Nov 2018 · Paper 12 · Q16Show mark scheme →
A26 J
B130 J
C2600 J
D13 000 J
Mark scheme
9May / June 2018 · Paper 13 · Q14Show mark scheme →
A(atmospheric pressure) × Ar
B(atmospheric pressure) × As
C(pressure inside the gas) × Ar
D(pressure inside the gas) × As
Mark scheme
10Oct / Nov 2017 · Paper 13 · Q17Show mark scheme →
APAy
B–PAy
CPA(y – x)
D–PA(y – x)
Mark scheme
11Feb / March 2017 · Paper 12 · Q17Show mark scheme →
Ap(V_2 - V_1)
B\frac{1}{2}p(V_2 - V_1)
Cp(V_2 + V_1)
D\frac{1}{2}p(V_2 + V_1)
Mark scheme
12Oct / Nov 2016 · Paper 11 · Q20Show mark scheme →
ANo thermal energy must be supplied to the gas.
BThe expansion must be at a constant rate.
CThe pressure must be constant.
DThe temperature of the gas must be constant.
Mark scheme
13Oct / Nov 2016 · Paper 13 · Q20Show mark scheme →
ANo thermal energy must be supplied to the gas.
BThe expansion must be at a constant rate.
CThe pressure must be constant.
DThe temperature of the gas must be constant.
Mark scheme