Chapter 15, Problem 85PP

In another test, the gas is put into a cylinder having a movable piston. The gas is then allowed to expand adiabatically, thereby reducing its pressure from 2000 psi to 50 psi. Why might some N₂O condense during this process?

1. A.    This is an isochoric process in which the pressure decreases, so the temperature also decreases.
2. B.     Because of the expansion, heat is removed from the system, so the internal energy and temperature of the gas decrease.
3. C.     This is an isobaric process, so as the volume increases, the temperature decreases proportionally.
4. D.    The expanding gas does work with no heat input, so the internal energy and temperature of the gas decrease.