Basic Thermodynamics by NEGI10 PYQs - 01

Chapter : Basic Concepts

Topic : System and Surrounding
1. [MCQ, ] 4. No chemical reaction takes place within the
An isolated thermodynamic system executes a system
process. Choose the correct statement (s) from A. 1 & 2
the following? B. 1, 2 & 3

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1. No heat is transferred C. 1, 2, 3, 4
2. No work is done D. None of these
3. No mass flows across the boundary of the [GATE-1999-ME]

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system

c
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 1. (B)

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ef
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Answer Key

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 Solutions
1. Answer: (B)
Isolated system is the system in which neither
mass nor energy interactions can take place. In
Isolated system energy transfer can’t take place
but energy transformation can take place. Hence
in Isolated system chemical reaction can take
place within the system.

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Basic Thermodynamics by NEGI10 PYQs - 02

Chapter : Basic Concepts

Topic : Property
1. [MCQ, ] 4. [MCQ, ]
Which of the following is an extensive property Which of the following is an intensive
of a system? thermodynamic property?

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A. Density A. Enthalpy
B. Pressure B. Internal energy
C. Temperature C. Entropy
D. Total mass D. Pressure

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[GATE-2023-XE] [GATE-2019-XE]

2. [MSQ, ] c
Which of the following are TRUE for pressure,
5. [MCQ, ]
Consider the following properties:
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temperature and density of a thermodynamic (P) temperature
system? (Q) specific gravity
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A. path functions
(R) chemical potential
B. point functions
(S) volume
C. inexact differentials
e

D. exact differentials The option which lists ALL the intensive

properties is
ef

[GATE-2022-NM]
A. P
3. [MCQ, ] B. P and Q
R

Which one of the following is an intensive C. P, Q and R

property of a thermodynamic system? D. P, Q, R and S
A. Mass [GATE-2017-CH]
B. Density
C. Energy 6. [MCQ, ]
D. Volume Which of the following thermodynamic
[GATE-2022-ME] properties is NOT an intensive property of a
thermodynamic system:
A. Pressure
B. Temperature
C. Density
D. Volume
[GATE-2016-XE]
7. [MCQ, ]
Identify the group containing the appropriate
match of items in List-I and List-II.
List-I
K-A jet engine in flight
L-Water being heated in a sealed container
M-Internal energy
N-Specific entropy
List-II
P-Closed system

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Q-Control volume
R-Intensive property
S-Extensive property
A. K-P; L-Q; M-R; N-S

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B. K-Q; L-P; M-R; N-S
C. K-Q; L-P; M-S; N-R
D. K-P; L-Q; M-S; N-Rc [GATE-2011-XE]
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8. [MCQ, ]
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Intensive thermodynamic variables are

A. independent of the number of moles in the
system
e

B. dependent on the volume of the system

ef

C. dependent on the mass of the system

D. independent of the temperature of the
system
R

[GATE-2009-MT]

9. [MCQ, ]
A system is partitioned into two equal parts. An
intensive property of each part will
A. become half
B. remains unchanged
C. double
D. depend on the nature of the intensive
property
[GATE-2007-XE]
 Answer Key
1. (D) 6. (D)
2. (B, D) 7. (C)
3. (B) 8. (A)
4. (D) 9. (B)
5. (C)

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 Solutions
1. Answer: (D)
P, T and density are intensive properties
whereas total mass is an extensive property

2. Answer: (B, D)
(B) Water heated in sealed container
3. Answer: (B)
Intensive properties: Density, temperature
chemical potential and specific gravity.

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Extensive properties: Mass, Energy and Volume.

(C) Internal Energy Extensive Property

4. Answer: (D)
(D) Specific Entropy Intensive Property

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Pressure is an intensive property while Enthalpy,
Internal Energy & Entropy are extensive
properties.

5. Answer: (C)
c 8. Answer: (A)
Intensive thermodynamic variables are
independent of the extent (size) of the system.
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Temperature, specific gravity and chemical ⇒ Independent of the number of moles in the
potential are the intensive properties. system
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Volume is an extensive property.

9. Answer: (B)
e

6. Answer: (D)
Volume is an extensive property.
ef

7. Answer: (C) If ‘B’ is an intensive property, then it is

(A) Jet engine in flight independent of extent of the system.
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Basic Thermodynamics by NEGI10 ………… PYQs - 03

Chapter : Basic Concepts

Topic : Process & Cyclic Process
1. [MCQ, ] 2. [MCQ, ]
Two gases separated by an impermeable but A reversible heat transfer demand:
movable partition are allowed to freely A. The temperature difference causing heat

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exchange energy. At equilibrium, the two sides transfer tends to zero
will have the same B. The system receiving heat must be at a
A. pressure and temperature constant temperature

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B. volume and temperature C. The system transferring out heat must be at a
C. pressure and volume constant temperature
D. volume and energyc [GATE-2013-PH]
D. Both interacting systems must be at constant
temperatures
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[GATE-1993-ME]
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 Answer Key
1. (A) 2. (A)

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 Solutions
1. Answer: (A) At mechanical equilibrium we should have
pressure equality & at thermal equilibrium we
should have temperature equality.

2. Answer: (A)
Heat transfer through negligible temperature
difference is an externally reversible process.

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Basic Thermodynamics by NEGI10 PYQs - 04

Chapter : Basic Concepts

Topic : Compressibility Factor
1. [MCQ, ] C. all three quantities are thermodynamic
If x and y are two independent intensive properties.
properties of a thermodynamic system, then D. none of the quantities are thermodynamic

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which relation among the following fails to property.
identify z as another thermodynamic property? [GATE-2008-XE]
A. dz = xdy + ydx

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B. dz = xdy − ydx 4. [MCQ, ]
Given dϕ = f(T)dT + (T⁄V)dV and dΨ =
C. dz = 2dy + dx

D. dz =
dy
x
−
ydx
x2
c Tdp + (T⁄P 2 )dV, then
A. Both ϕ and Ψ are properties
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[GATE-2020-XE] B. Neither ϕ and Ψ is a property
C. ϕ is a property but Ψ is not a property
N rr

2. [MCQ, ] D. Ψ is a property but ϕ is not a property

The correct expression representing Z to be [GATE-2017-XE]
e

thermodynamic property is
5. [MCQ, ]
A. Z = Pdv
ef

The molar density of water vapour at the normal

B. Z = vdp boiling point of water is 33 mol/m3 . The
C. Z = Pdv + vdp compressibility factor under these conditions is
R

D. Z = Pdv − vdp close to which one of the following? (R = 8.314

J/mol-K)
[GATE-2012-XE]
A. 0.75

3. [MCQ, ] B. 1
Three thermodynamic quantities X, Y and Z C. 1.25
satisfy the relation dZ = XdY + YdX. This D. 1.5
implies,
[GATE-2006-CH]
A. quantity Z is a thermodynamic property.
B. quantities X & Y are thermodynamic
properties.
 Answer Key
1. (B) 4. (B)
2. (C) 5. (B)
3. (C)

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 Solutions
1. Answer: (B) 3. Answer: (C)
Thermodynamic property is an exact differential Given dZ= XdY + YdX
hence it must satisfy test of exactness. Z is satisfying test of exactness
dz = Mdx + Ndy Hence X, Y & Z are exact differentials or
∂M ∂N thermodynamic properties.
| = | (For Exactness).
∂y x ∂x y

1) dz = xdy + ydx 4. Answer: (B)

dz = ydx + xdy Given
↓ ↓ dϕ = f(T)dT + (T/V) dV → (1)

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2
M N dΨ = Tdp + (T/P ) dV → (2)
∂M Comparing (1) with the equation
| =1
∂y x dz = Mdx + Ndy
∂N
| =1 ⇒ z = ϕ; M = f(T) N = (T/V)

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∂x y
x=T y=V
2) dz = xdy − ydx For ′ϕ′ to be a property,
dz = −ydx + xdy

M
↓ ↓
N
c ∂(f(T)) ∂ (V)
∂V
1
=
∂T
T
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∂M ⇒ 0 = → practically not possible
| = −1 V
∂y x
So ϕ is not a property.
∂N
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| =1 Similarly, for Ψ to be a property,

∂x y ∂T ∂(T/P 2 )
=
⇒ xdy − ydx is not exact. ∂V ∂P
e

T(−2) −2T
⇒0= ⇒ 3 = 0 → Not possible
P3 P
ef

2. Answer: (C)
∴ Both ϕ & Ψ are not properties.
dz = Pdv + vdp
dz = Mdx + Ndy
5. Answer: (B)
R

∂M ∂N 1
| = |
∂y x ∂x y v̅real gas ̅
ρ
Z= = ̅T
∂p v̅ideal gas R
| =1 P
∂p v Tboiling = 100°C = 373K;
∂v ̅ = 8.314 J/mol-K
R
| =1
∂v P P = 1 atm = 101.325 kPa
1
33
∴Z= 8.314×373
= 0.990 ≈ 1
(101.325×103 )
∴ Z = 1.0
Basic Thermodynamics by NEGI10 PYQs - 05

Chapter : Basic Concepts

Topic : Ideal Gas
1. [MSQ, ] 3. [MCQ, ]
Two rigid, impermeable containers A and B are Methane has compressibility factor value of 0.9
filled with an ideal gas. They are allowed to at reduced pressure of 1.0 and reduced

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exchange heat only with each other and not with temperature of 1.5. For propane, the critical
the surrounding. P, V, N, and T represent the temperature and pressure are 369.8 K and
pressure, total volume, number of moles, and ̅ = 8.314 kJ/
42.48 bar, respectively. Take R

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temperature, respectively. At equilibrium, which kmol. K. Applying the principle of corresponding

c
of the following conditions is/are necessarily
satisfied?
states, the molar volume of propane (in m3 /
kmol) at the same reduced pressure and
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(Subscripts A and B represent properties of the temperature is
gas in the respective containers.) A. 0.355
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A. PA = PB B. 0.526
B. TA = TB C. 0.791
e

C.
PA VA
=
PB VB D. 0.977
ef

NA NB
[GATE-2018-XE]
PA PB
D. =V 4. [MCQ, ]
VA B
R

[GATE-2024-XE] The ideal gas law is valid for

A. inert gases
2. [NAT, ]
B. gases at high pressure and high temperature
A rigid closed tank contains 2 kg of an ideal gas
C. gases at low pressure and low temperature
at 500 kPa and 350 K. A valve is opened, and
D. gases at low pressure and high temperature
half of the mass of the gas is allowed to escape.
[GATE-2009-XE]
Then the valve is closed. If the final pressure in
5. [MCQ, ]
the tank is 300 kPa, the final temperature in the
1 kg of methane is enclosed in a cylinder having
tank is _______ K (in integer).
volume 6.4 litres and is maintained at a
[GATE-2023-XE]
temperature of 13°C and pressure of
18.56 MPa. If molecular weight of methane is
 16 kg/kmol (for methane, critical pressure = D. for sufficiently low temperature, regardless
4.64 MPa, critical temperature is 191.1 K, of its pressure
universal gas constant is 8.314 kJ/kmol-K), [GATE-2016-XE]
compressibility factor, Z is 9. [MCQ, ]
A. 0.375 The volume and temperature of air (assumed to
B. 0.8 be an ideal gas) in a closed vessel is 2.87 m3 and
C. 1.25 300 K, respectively. The gauge pressure
D. 2.66 indicated by a manometer fitted to the wall of
[GATE-2010-XE]

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the vessel is 0.5 bar. If the gas constant of air is
6. [NAT, ]
R = 287 J/kg-K and the atmospheric pressure
An ideal gas has a molar mass of 40 kg/kmol.
is 1 bar, the mass of air (in kg) in the vessel is
̅ = 8.314 kJ/kmol-K. At a pressure of

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Take R
A. 1.67
2 bar and a temperature of 300 K, the volume

c
(in m3 ) of 1 kg of this gas (up to 2 decimal
places) is _______.
B. 3.33
C. 5.00
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D. 6.66
[GATE-2018-XE]
[GATE-2017-ME]
7. [NAT, ]
N rr

10. [NAT, ]
Let Z1 represents the compressibility factor of
A rigid vessel of volume 10 m3 is filled with
air at 2 bar and 600 K, and Z2 represents the
e

hydrogen at 25°C and 500 kPa. Due to leakage,

compressibility factor of air at 1 bar and 300 K. If
ef

some gas has escaped from the vessel until the

air is assumed to be an ideal gas having gas
pressure in the vessel drops down to 200 kPa,
constant of 0.287 kJ/kg. K, then Z1 /Z2 is
R

and the corresponding temperature of the gas

_______.
inside the vessel is found to be 15°C. The
[GATE-2020-XE]
amount of gas leaked (in kg) from the vessel is
8. [MCQ, ]
________
Water vapour can be treated as an ideal gas,
[GATE-2020-XE]
A. for all temperature and pressure
11. [NAT, ]
B. for sufficiently low pressure, regardless of its
Temperature of nitrogen in a vessel of volume
temperature
2 m3 is 288 K. A U–tube manometer connected
C. for very high pressure only
by the vessel shows a reading of 70 cm of
 mercury (level higher in the end open to 13. [MCQ, ]
atmosphere). The universal gas constant is The volumetric properties of two gases M and N
8314 J/kmol − K, atmospheric pressure is are described by the generalized compressibility
1.01325 bar, acceleration due to gravity is chart which expresses the compressibility factor
9.81 m/s2 and density of mercury is 13600 kg/ (z) as a function of reduced pressure and
m3 . The mass of nitrogen (in kg) in the vessel is reduced temperature only. The operating
___________ pressure (P) and temperature (T) of two gases M
[GATE-2015-ME] and N along with their critical properties (Pc , Tc )

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are given in the table below.
12. [MCQ, ]
Gas P(bar) T(K) PC (bar) Tc (K)
Superheated steam at 1500 kPa, has a specific M 25 300 75 150
volume of 2.75 m3 /kmol and compressibility N 75 1000 225 500

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Zm and ZN are the compressibility factor of the
factor (Z) of 0.95. The temperature of steam is

c
_____°C (round off to the nearest integer)
A. 249
gases M and N under the given operating
conditions respectively, The relation between
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ZM and ZN is
B. 198
A. ZM = 8ZN
C. 522
N rr

B. ZM = 3ZN
D. 471
C. ZM = ZN
[GATE-2021-ME]
e

D. ZM = 0.333ZN
ef

[GATE-2017-CH]
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 Answer Key
1. (B, C) 8. (B)
2. (420 to 420) 9. (C)
3. (D) 10. (2.30 to 2.40)
4. (D) 11. (4.4 to 4.6)
5. (B) 12. (A)
6. (0.30 to 0.32) 13. (C)
7. (1 to 1)

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 Solutions
1. Answer: (B, C) mRT1 mRT2

At equilibrium P1 P2
TA = TB 2 350 1  T2
  T2  420K
̅TA
PA VA = NA R 500 300
PA VA
⇒ TA =
NA R̅ 3. Answer: (D)
Container – B Given

̅TB Zmethane = 0.9

PB VB = NB R

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PB VB PR = 1 ⇒ P = Pc
⇒ TB =
NB R̅ TR = 1.5 ⇒ T = 1.5Tc
∴ TA = TB ̅ = 8.314 kJ/kmol. K
R

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PA VA PB VB For propane
=
̅ ̅
NA R NB R
PA VA PB VB
NA
=
NB
c Tc = 369.8 K
Pc = 42.48 bar
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According to principle of corresponding states,
2. Answer: (420 to 420) various gases will have same compressibility
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factor at same reduced pressure & same

reduced temperature.
e

Pv̅
Z=
̅T
ef

R
̅T
ZR ̅Tr Tc
ZR
v̅ = =
P Pr Pc
R

0.9 × 80314 × 1.5 × 369.8

v̅ =
1 × 4248

m  2kg v̅ = 0.977 m3 / kmol

P1  500kPa
4. Answer: (D)
T1  350K For Ideal Gas
m2  1Kg
P2  300kPa
V1  V2
 m =?
5. Answer: (B)
PV/nT PV
Z= =
̅
R nR̅T
18.56 × 103 × 6.4 × 10−3
Z= 8.314
= 0.8
1×( ) × 286
16 According to Ideal Gas equation
PV = mRT
6. Answer: (0.30 to 0.32) PV
Given m=
RT

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M = 40 kg/kmol; ∵ Pabs = Pg + Patm,L
̅ = 8.314 kJ/kmol − K;
R (Pg + Patm,L )V
∴m=
P = 2 bar = 200 kPa; RT

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(0.5+1)×105 ×2.87
T = 300 K; m= = 5.00 kg
287×300
PV = mRT

⇒ (200)V = 1 × (
c 8.314
40
) × 300
10. Answer: (2.30 to 2.40)
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8.314 × 3
⇒V= = 0.311 m3
40 × 2
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7. Answer: (1 to 1)
pV/nT
Z=
e

̅
R
Since the substance is ideal gas in both the cases, V1 = V = 10 m3 , T1 = 25°C = 298 K
ef

Z1 = Z2 = 1 P1 = 500 kPa, T2 = 15°C = 288 K

Z1
⇒ =1 P2 = 200 kPa, V2 = V = 10 m3
Z2
R

mL = m1 − m2
8. Answer: (B) P1 V1 P2 V2
mL = −
Water vapour can be treated as ideal gas at RT1 RT2
sufficiently low pressures, regardless of its P1 P2
temperature mL = V. R [ − ]
T1 T2
.
10 × 2 500 200
9. Answer: (C) mL = [ − ]
8.314 298 288
V = 2.87 m3 ;
mL = 2.365 kg
T = 300 K;
Pg = 0.5 bar;
R = 287 kJ/kg − K;
Patm,L = 1 bar;
11. Answer: (4.4 to 4.6) (Patm,L + ρHg gh)V
=
Given Data ̅/MN ) T
(R 2
3
V= 2m , (1.01325 × 105 + 13600 × 9.81 × 0.7)2
= 8314
T = 288 K, × 288
25
h = 70 cm = 0.7 m,
= 4.55 kg
R = 8314 J/kmol − K,
Patm,L = 1.01325 bar,
g = 9.81 m/s2 , 12. Answer: (A)
P = 1500 kPa
ρHg = 13600 kg/m3 ,
v̅ = 2.75 m3 /kmol

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m =?
Z = 0.95
We have
̅T

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PV = n. ZR
V
̅T
⇒ P ( ) = Z. R
c ⇒T=
n
P. v̅
ZR
=
1500(2.75)
̅ (0.95)(8.314)
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⇒ T = 522.26 K = 249.264°C
∴ T = 249.264°C
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13. Answer: (C)

e

For gas M; P = 25 bar, Pc = 75 bar

Since for N2 in given conditions P 25 1
ef

Pr = = =
PC 73 3
TR > 2.0, we can treat N2 to behave as an Ideal
Fir Gas N; P = 75 bar Pc = 225 bar
gas. 75 1
R

Pr = =
According to Ideal Gas equation 225 3
T
For Gas M; T = 300 K, Tc = 150 K, Tr = T = 2
PV = mRT T
C

For Gas N; T = 1000 K, Tc = 500 K, Tr = =2

PV TC
m= P
RT Compressibility factor, Z = K Tr
r
∵ P = Patm,L + ρHg gh 1
K (3) K
ZM = =
(Patm,L + ρHg gh)V 2 6
∴m= 1
RT K (3) K
ZN = =
2 6
⇒ ZM = ZN
Basic Thermodynamics by NEGI10 PYQs - 06

Chapter : Basic Concepts

Topic : van der Walls Equation of State
1. [NAT, ] [GATE-2023-XE]
A rigid tank, initially at 1 bar 300 K, contains
3. [NAT, ]
5 moles O2 , 4 moles N2 , and 3 moles of H2 .
Consider a mixture of two ideal gases, X and Y,

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From this tank, 2 moles of O2 are removed
with molar masses Mx = 10 kg/kmol and
keeping the temperature constant. Assuming
MY = 20 kg/kmol, respectively, in a container.
ideal gas behaviour, the final partial pressure of

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The total pressure in the container is 100 kPa,
O2 (in bar) inside the tank is _____ (round off to
three decimal places).
Use R = 8.314 J/mol.K
c the total volume of the container is 10 m3 and
the temperature of the contents of the
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container is 300 K. If the mass of gas − X in the
Molecular weight of H2 , N2 and O2 2 g/mol,
container is 2 kg, then the mass of gas − Y in
28 g/mol, and 32 g/mol respectively.
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the container is _____ kg (Rounded off to one

[GATE-2024-XE]
decimal place).
e

2. [MCQ, ] Assume that the universal gas constant is

ef

A tank of volume V contains homogeneous 8314 J kmol−1 K −1.

mixture of two ideal gases, A and B at a [GATE-2023-ME]
R

temperature T and a pressure P. The mixture

4. [MCQ, ]
contains nA moles of gas A and nB moles of gas
On the basis of the ideal gas equation and Van
B. If PA and the partial pressures of gas A and
der Waals equation, the temperatures of a gas
gas B, respectively, then
at pressure 10 MPa and specific volume
nA nB
A. PA  P , PB  P 0.005 m3 /kg would be, respectively. (Assume
nA  nB nA  nB
gas constant R = 0.3 kJ/(kgK) , a=
nB n
B. PA  P , PB  A P
nA nB 0.18 m6 kPa/kg 2 and b = 0.0014 m3 /kg)

nA n A. 166.67 K and 235.89 K

C. PA  P , PB  B P
nB nA B. 166.67 K and 206.40 K
nB nA C. 166.67 K and 267.21 K
D. PA  P , PB  P
nA  nB nA  nB
 D. 166.67 K and 240.90 K kmol and 16 kg/kmol, respectively, then the
mass fraction of N2 in the gas mixture is
[GATE-2022-XE]
A. 0.100 B. 0.170
5. [MCQ, ] C. 0.148 D. 0.680
An ideal gas mixture consists of 80% N2 and [GATE-2020-XE]
20% O2 on mass basis. If the total pressure is 8. [NAT, ]
300 kPa , then the partial pressure of N2 (in An ideal gas mixture of oxygen (molecular
kPa) is (Molecular weights of N2 = 28 kg/kmol weight = 32 kg/kmol ) and carbon dioxide

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and O2 = 32 kg/kmol) (molecular weight = 44 kg/kmol) has a mass
A. 246.15 composition of 40% and 60% respectively. If
B. 230.34 the total pressure is 200 kPa , the partial

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C. 254.78 pressure of oxygen (in kPa) is ______
D. 213.54 [GATE-2015-XE]
c [GATE-2022-XE] 9. [MCQ, ]
The molecular weight of a mixture is 38.4 g/
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mol. The mixture is composed of methane and
6. [NAT, ]
carbon-dioxide gases. The atomic weights of
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A gaseous mixture at 1 bar and 300 K consists

of 20 mol % CO2 and 80 mol% inert gas. the elements C, H, and O are 12, 1, and 16 gm/
Assume the gases to be ideal. Take R =
e

mol , respectively. The mole fraction of

8.314 J mol−1 K −1 .
methane (Xmethane ) is ________ and that of
ef

The magnitude of minimum work required to

separate 100 mol of this mixture at 1 bar and carbon-dioxide (Xcarbon−dioxide )is ________
300 K into pure CO2 and inert gas at the same
R

A. Xmethane = 0.2; Xcarbon−dioxide = 0.8

temperature and pressure is ______kJ (round
off to nearest integer). B. Xmethane = 0.8; Xcarbon−dioxide = 0.2
[GATE-2021-CH] C. Xmethane = 0.3; Xcarbon−dioxide = 0.7
D. Xmethane = 0.7; Xcarbon−dioxide = 0.3
7. [MCQ, ]
In a mixture of gases there are 0.1 kmol of [GATE-2014-XE]

oxygen (O2 ), 0.1 kmol of nitrogen (N2 ) and 10. [NAT, ]

A mixture of ideal gases has the following
0.8 kmol of methane (CH4 ). If the molar mass
composition by mass
of O2 , N2 and CH4 are 32 kg/kmol , 28 kg/
N2 O2 CO2
 60% 30% 10% 0.4 kg/s. The molecular weight of the mixture
(up to 2 decimal places) is __________.

If the universal gas constant is 8314 J/kmol − [GATE-2017-XE]

K, the characteristic gas constant of the mixture 14. [NAT, ]

A cylinder of volume 1 m3 contains a mixture of
(in J/kg − K) is ______
CO2 ( 20% by mol) and O2 ( 80% by mol) at
[GATE-2015-ME]
100 kPa and 300 K. This cylinder is connected
11. [MCQ, ]
One kilomole of hydrogen (M = 2 kg/kmol) is to a 1 MPa pressure line carrying N2 at 300 K.

0 de
mixed with certain number of kilomoles of The cylinder is filled isothermally till the

argon (M = 40 kg/kmol) such that the mass pressure of gas mixture inside it becomes

fraction of argon in the resultant mixture is 0.8. 500 kPa, and then the filling is stopped. The

I1 o
The number of kilomoles of argon in the amount of N2 gas that has entered the cylinder
is ___________ (in mole, 2 decimal places).
mixture is
A. 0.05 c B. 0.10 The universal gas constant is 8.3145 J/(mol K).
[GATE-2021-XE]
EG al
C. 0.15 D. 0.20
[GATE-2011-XE]
N rr

12. [MCQ, ]

Consider three identical tanks A, B and C ,
shown below. What is the pressure p in tank C? 15. [NAT, ]
e

A cylinder of volume 0.1 m3 is filled with

ef

100 mol of propane (C3 H8 ) at 2 MPa . If

propane is assumed to obey the van der Waals
R

A. 1 bar B. 1.5 bar

equation of state, then its temperature is
C. 2 bar D. 2.5 bar
[GATE-2011-XE] ___________ K (1 decimal place). The van der
Waals constants for propane are:
13. [NAT, ]
Air contains by volume 79% N2 (molecular a = 939.2 kPa (m3 /kmol)2 and
weight = 28 kg/kmol ) and 21% O2 b = 0.0905 m3 /kmol.
(molecular weight = 32 kg/kmol). A stream of The universal gas constant is 8.3145 J/
air flows at 32°C, 1 bar, at a rate of 2 m3 /s and (mol K).
is mixed with another stream of O2 flowing at [GATE-2021-XE]
 B. m3 /kg
16. [MCQ, ] C. m5 /kg-s2
A 4 − m3 reservoir contains 10 kg of a real gas D. Pa/kg
at 200 K. If this gas follows the van der Waal’s [GATE-2015-ME]
19. [MCQ, ]
equation of state with a = 0.0687 m6 . kPa/kg 2 ,
For a gas obeying the equation of state given by
b = 0.00657 m3 /kg and R = 0.187 k J /kg. K ,
a
then the reservoir pressure (in kPa) is (P + v2 ) v = RT, the values of the critical

A. 93.5 B. 94.6 specific volume and the critical temperature are

0 de
C. 95.7 D. 101.3 0.004 m3 /kg and 100°C , respectively. If the
[GATE-2020-XE] value of the gas constant is 250 J/ (kg. K), then
17. [MCQ, ] the value of the constant ‘a’ is ______(N. m4 /

I1 o
The van der Waals equation of state is given as, kg 2 ). Note that the critical point is the point of
a

c
̅T, where P in bar, v in
(P + v̅2 ) (v̅ − b) = R

m3 /kmol and T is in K. For air, the constants, a

inflection on the critical isotherm.
A. 124.3 B. 0.75
EG al
m3
2 C. 186.58 D. 248.67
and b, are 1.368 bar. (kmol) and 0.0367 m3 /
[GATE-2014-XE]
kmol, respectively. Air is contained in a system
N rr

20. [NAT, ]

at 160 K and 0.08 m3 /kmol . If P1 is the
The van der Waals constants a and b for CO2 are
e

pressure calculated using ideal gas equation of

3.64 L2 bar mol−2 and 0.04 L mol−1 ,
state and P2 is pressure calculated using van der
ef

respectively. The value of R is

Waals equation of state, then P1 /P2 is equal to
0.083 bar dm3 mol−1 K −1. If one mole of CO2 is
A. 1.78 B. 1.52
R

confined to a volume of 0.15 L at 300 K, then

C. 1.28 D. 1.0
[GATE-2017-XE] the pressure (in bar) exerted by the gas, is

18. [MCQ, ] ______

[GATE-2014-CY]
The Van-der Waals equation of state is (P +
a
) (v − b) = RT , where P is pressure, v is
v2 21. [MCQ, ]
specific volume, T is temperature and R is In the van der Waals equation of state given
characteristic gas constant. The SI unit of a is below:
A. J/kg-K a
(P + v2 ) (v − b) = RT
 The constant a represents the effect of ∂V ∂2 V
B. (∂P) = 0; (∂P2 ) = 0
T T
A. attractive forces between molecules
∂P ∂2 P
C. (∂V) = 0; (∂T2 ) = 0
B. repulsive forces between molecules V V
∂V ∂2 V
C. deviation from molecules being spherical D. (∂T) = 0; (∂T2 ) = 0
P P
D. finite size of the molecule [GATE-2005-CH]
[GATE-2013-XE] 25. [MCQ, ]

22. [MCQ, ] Which of the following conditions are satisfied

Parameters a and b in the van der Waals and at the critical point by the P-V-T relation of a

0 de
other cubic equations of state represent real fluid?
∂2 P ∂P
A. a-molecular weight, b-molecular polarity A. (∂V2 ) = (∂V) = 0
T T
B. a-molecular size, b-molecular attraction ∂2 P ∂P

I1 o
B. (∂V2 ) > 0; (∂V) = 0
C. a-molecular size, b-molecular speed T T
∂2 P ∂P

23. [MCQ, ]

c
D. a-molecular attraction, b-molecular size
[GATE-2007-CH]
C. (∂V2 ) < 0; (∂V) = 0

∂2 P
T

D. (∂V2 ) > 0; (∂V) > 0

∂P
T
EG al
T T
[GATE-2002-CH]
Nitrogen at an initial state of 10 bar, 1 m3 , and
26. [MCQ, ]
300 K is expanded isothermally to a final
N rr

a An equation of state is explicit in pressure p and

volume of 2 m3 . The P-v-T relation is (P + )v
v2
cubic in the specific volume v. At the critical
e

= RT, where a > 0. The final pressure

point C , the isotherm passing through C
ef

A. will be slightly less than 5 bar

satisfies
B. will be slightly more than 5 bar ∂P ∂2 P ∂P ∂2 P
A. ∂v < 0, ∂v2 = 0 B. ∂v > 0, ∂v2 < 0
R

C. will be exactly 5 bar

∂P ∂2 P ∂P ∂2 P
D. cannot be ascertained in the absence of the C. ∂v = 0, ∂v2 > 0 D. ∂v = 0, ∂v2 = 0

value of a. [GATE-2013-CH].
[GATE-2005-ME] 27. [MCQ, ]
24. [MCQ, ] For a pure substance the critical isotherm on
In van der Waals equation of state, what are the the P − v plane exhibits
criteria applied at the critical point to determine A. a maximum
the parameters 𝑎 and b? B. a minimum
∂P ∂2 P C. a point of inflection
A. (∂V) = 0; (∂V2 ) = 0
T T
 D. a discontinuity Here vcom is the specific volume calculated
[GATE-2013-XE]
using the compressibility factor.

28. [MCQ, ] For Refrigerant R − 134 (at 1 MPa and 50°C):

The value of the compressibility factor at the The characteristic gas constant: 0.0815 k J /

critical point evaluated using the van der Waals (kgK), The critical pressure and temperature

equation of state is are, respectively, Pcr = 4.059 MPa and Tcr =

2 5 374.2 K.
A. 7 B. 8
3 1 [GATE-2021-XE]
C. 8 D. 7

0 de
[GATE-2018-XE]
29. [MCQ, ] 31. [NAT, ]
A gas obeys the van der Waals equation of state The van der Waals equation of state is given by

I1 o
a
(P + v2 ) (v − b) = RT, where a and b are van 8Tr 3
Pr = − 2

Pv
c
der Waals constants. The compressibility factor

[Z = RT] in the limit of high specific volume

3vr − 1 vr
Where Pr , Tr and vr represent reduced
EG al
pressure, reduced temperature and reduced
(b ≪ v) is molar volume, respectively. The compressibility
N rr

1 a 1 a factor at critical point (zc ) is 3/8.

A. 1 + v (b − RT) B. 1 + v (b + RT)
1 a 1 a If vr = 3 and Tr = 4/3 , then the
C. 1 − v (b + RT) D. 1 − v (b − RT)
e

compressibility factor based on the van der

[GATE-2019-XE]
ef

Waals equation of state is _____ (round off to 2

30. [NAT, ]
decimal places).
For the Refrigerant R − 134 (at 1 MPa and
R

[GATE-2021-CH]
50°C), the difference between the specific
volume computed by assuming it to be an ideal
32. [NAT, ]
gas and its actual specific volume is : videal − Air contains 79% and 21% O2 on a molar basis.
vactual = 4.529 × 10−3 m3 /kg. If the Methane (CH4 ) is burned with 50% excess air
than required stoichiometrically. Assuming
compressibility factor associated with the state complete combustion of methane, the molar
is Z = 0.84 , then vcom − vactual = percentage of 𝑁2 in the products is _____
[GATE-2017-ME]
___________ × 10−3 m3 /kg ( 3 decimal
places).
 Answer Key
1. (0.249 to 0.251) 17. (A)
2. (C) 18. (C)
3. (3.9 to 6.1) 19. (C)
4. (B) 20. (60 to 60)
5. (A) 21. (A)
6. (124 to 126) 22. (D)
7. (C) 23. (B)
8. (92 to 100) 24. (A)
9. (A) 25. (A)
26. (D)

0 de
10. (274 to 276)
11. (D) 27. (C)
28. (C)
12. (C)
29. (A)
13. (29.0 to 30.0)

I1 o
30. (0.300 to 0.330)
14. (159.00 to 162.00)
31. (0.83 to 0.85)
15. (320.0 to 323.0)
16. (B)
c 32. (72 to 75)
EG al
N rre
ef
R
 Solutions
1. Answer: (0.249 to 0.251) mx = 2 kg
̅T
PV = nR
2 my
100 × 10 = ( + ) × 8.314 × 300
10 20
my = 4.018 kg

4. Answer: (B)
From ideal gas equation a
̅T1
P1 V = nR Specific volumes (P + v2 ) (v − b) = RT
100 × V = (5 + 4 + 3) × R̅ × 300 a

0 de
̅ × 300 (P + v2 ) (v − b)
100 V = 12R → (1) T=
̅T2
P2 V = nR R
P2 × V = (3 + 4 + 3)R̅ × 300 (10 × 103 +
0.18
) (0.005 − 0.0014)
0.0052
̅ × 300 → (2)
P2 V = 10R T=

I1 o
eq (2)
0.3
Doing eq (1) T = 206.40 K
P2 V
=
10R
100 V 12R
10
̅ × 300
̅ × 300
⇒ P2 = 12 × 100
c 5. Answer: (A)
EG al
mN2 = 0.8 x
P2 = 83.333 kPa mO2 = 0.2 x
nO 2
Partial pressure of O2 = PO 2 = × P2 0.8 x 0.2 x
N rr

nt nN2 = 28
and nO2 = 32
3 0.8 x
PO 2 = × 83.333
10 x̅N2 = 28
= 0.8205
e

0.8 x 0.2x
PO 2 = 25 kPa = 0.25 bar ( 28 + 32 )
PN2 = 0.8205 × Ptotal
ef

2. Answer: (C) = 0.8205 × 300

If PA and PB are partial pressures of A and B and PN 2 = 246.15 kPa
nA and nB are moles of A and B then for total
R

pressure P.
nA
PA  P 6. Answer: (124 to 126)
nA  nB
nB Given, y1 = 0.2, y2 = 0.8
PB  P n = 100 mol
nA  nB
P = 1 bar, T = 300 K
Work done = Energy change in Gibbs free charge
3. Answer: (3.9 to 6.1)
of mixing
Ideal Gas1 → X
W = ΔGmix = nRT Σyi ln yi
Ideal Gas2 → Y
W = (100)8.314 × 300[0.2 ln 0.2 + 0.8 ln 0]
M̅ X = 10 kg⁄kmol
W = −124.8 kJ
M̅ Y = 20 kg⁄kmol
 Work done on system must be positive
= 125 kJ 9. Answer (A)
MCH4 = 16 gm/mol
7. Answer: (C)
MCO2 = 44 gm/mol
Mmix = x̅CH4 MCH4 + x̅CO2 MCO2
⇒ 38.4 = x̅CH4 (16) + x̅CO2 (44) → (1)
We have x̅CH4 + x̅CO2 = 1 → (2)
Solving (1) and (2)
m ⇒ x̅CH4 = 0.2 and x̅CO2 = 0.8

0 de
n= ⇒ m = nM
M
mo2 , mn2 , mCH4 10. Answer: (274 to 276)
mN2 Percentage by mass
Mass Fraction of N2 = m

I1 o
O2 +mN2 +mCH4
N2 O2 CO2
nN 2 M N 2
=

=
0.1 × 28
c
nO2 MO2 + nN2 MN2 + nCH4 MCH4
60% 30% 10%

R mix =
R
Mmix
EG al
0.1 × 32 + 0.1 × 28 + 0.8 × 16
100
28 Mmix = % of G1
= +
% of G2
+
% of G3
3.2 + 2.8 + 12.8
N rr

M1 M2 M3
= 0.148 100
Mmix = 60 30 10 = 30.233 kg/kmol
+ 32 + 44
e

28
8. Answer: (92 to 100) 8314
R mix = 30.233 = 274.99 J/kg-K
ef

Given
MO2 = 32 kg/kmol; MCO2 = 44 kg/kmol
11. Answer: (D)
R

xO2 = 0.4; xCO2 = 0.6

nH2 = 1 kilo mole
Let mass of mixture = 100x
nAr = x kilo moles
mO2 = 0.4 × 100x = 40x
MH2 = 2 kg/k. mol
mCO2 = 0.6 × 100x = 60x
MAr = 40 kg/k. mol
40x 5x
nO 2 = = ⇒ mH2 = nH2 MH2 = 2 kg
32 4
60x 15x ⇒ mAr = nAr MAr = 40x
nCO2 = = 40x
44 11 Given xAr = 0.8 ⇒ 2+40x = 0.8
PO2 = x̅O2 × p
⇒ 40x = 32x + 1.6 ⇒ 8x = 1.6
5x/4
PO2 = × 200 ⇒ x = 0.2
5x/4 + 15x/11
∴ No of kilo moles of Argon = 0.2
PO2 = 95.65 kPa
 14. Answer: (159.00 to 162.00)
12. Answer: (C)
Dalton’s law of partial pressure
P = PN2 + PO2
P= 1+1
P = 2 bar

13. Answer: (29.0 to 30.0)

Given MN2 = 28 kg/kmol V = 1 m3 ;
P1 = 100 kPa;
MO2 = 32 kg/kmol

0 de
T1 = 300 K;
The rate of free stream of air = 2 m3 /s
̅ CO = 0.2;
X 2
Volume % of N2 = 79;
̅
X O2 = 0.8;

I1 o
volume % of O2 = 21
PCO2 = 20 kPa;
∴ Volume flow rate of N2 = (0.79) × 2
= 1.58 m3 /s c
Volume flow rate of O2 = (0.21) × 2
PO2 = 80 kPa;
Let 100x be the total no. of moles in the
EG al
= 0.42 m3 /s cylinder, then

The volume flow rate of fresh stream of O2 nCO2 = 20x

N rr

ṁRT nO2 = 80x

⇒ V̇ =
p
e

y moles of N2 is supplied to the cylinder.

8.314
((0.4) × ( ) × 305)
ef

32
⇒ V̇ =
103
⇒ V̇ = 0.3169 m3 /s
R

∴ In the final mixture,

1.58
Volume % of N2 = 1.58+0.42+0.3169

= 68.2% P2 = 500 kPa

(0.42+0.3169) T2 = 300 K
Volume % of O2 = (1.58+0.42+0.3169)
̅T
PCO2 V = nCO2 R
= 31.80%
̅T
20 × 103 × 1 = (20x)R
∴ Molecular weight of mixture
1000
100 x= → (1)
̅T
R
= 68.2 31.8
( 28 ) + ( 32 ) ̅T
PV = nR
= 29.16 kg/kmol P∝n
 P2 n2 P = 94.6 kPa
=
P1 n1
500 100x + y 17. Answer: (A)
=
100 100x Ideal gas equation is given by
y = 400x → (2) ̅T
P1 V = nR
Substituting eq (1) in eq (2) ̅T
P1 v̅ = R
400 × 1000
y= ̅T
R 8.314 × 160
̅T
R P1 = ⇒ P1 =
v̅ 0.08
400 × 1000
y= P1 = 16628 kPa → (1)
8.314 × 300

0 de
4000 Van der Waals equation of states given by
y=
8.314 × 3 a
(P2 + 2 ) (v̅ − b) = R̅T
y = 160.37 moles v̅
̅T

I1 o
a R
(P2 + 2 ) =
v̅ v̅ − b

c
15. Answer: (320.0 to 323.0)
⇒ P2 =
̅T
R

8.314 × 160
− 2
v̅ − b v̅
a

136.8
EG al
a P2 = −
(P + 2 ) (v̅ − b) = R ̅T 0.08 − 0.0367 (0.08)2
v̅
a P2 = 9346.47 kPa → (2)
(P + v̅2 ) (v̅ − b)
N rr

T= P1
̅
R = 1.78
P2
V 0.1
e

v̅ = = = 10−3 m3 /mol
n 100
18. Answer: (C)
ef

= 1 m3 /kmol
[a] = [M −1 L5 T −2 ]
(2000 + 939.2)(1 − 0.0905)
T= MKS unit of a = m5 /kg − s 2
8.3145
R

T = 321.5 K
19. Answer: (C)
16. Answer: (B) ∂P
a | =0
∂v CP
(P + 2 ) (v − b) = RT
v a
a (P + 2 ) v = RT
(P + 2 ) (v − b) = RT v
v RT a
4 P= − 2
v= = 0.4 m3 /kg v v
10 ∂P ∂ RT a
RT a = [ − 2]
P= − 2 ∂v ∂ v v
v−b v ∂P RT 2a
0.0187 × 200 0.0687 =− 2 + 3
P= − ∂v v v
0.4 − 0.00657 (0.4)2
 ∂P 23. Answer: (B)
| =0
∂v CP P1 = 10 bar,
−RTC 2a V2 = 2 m3 ,
+ 3=0
vC2 vC V1 = 1 m3 ,
RvC TC T1 = 300 K,
a= P2 =?
2
a
250 × 0.004 × 373 (P + 2 ) v = RT
a= v
2 a
N − m4 (P + 2 ) v = RT
v
a = 186.5 a
kg 2 (P1 + 2 ) v1 = RT1 → (1)

0 de
v
a
(P2 + 2 ) v2 = RT2 → (2)
20. Answer: (60 to 66) v
a = 3.64 L2 bar mol−2 From eq (1) & eq (2)

I1 o
b = 0.04 L mol−1 a a
(P1 + 2 ) v1 = (P2 + 2 ) v2
v1 v2
̅ = 0.083 bar dm3 mol−1 k −1
R
n = 1 mole c V 0.15
am2 V1
V1 m
am2 V2
(P1 + 2 ) ( ) = (P2 + 2 ) ( )
V2 m
EG al
V = 0.15 L; T = 300 k; v̅ = = L/mol P1 V12 V12
n 1 P2 = + am2 [ 2 − 2 ]
a 2 2V1 V2
(P + ̅T
) (v̅ − b) = R
v̅ 2
N rr

P1 1 1
̅T P2 = + am2 [ − ]
R a 2 2 4
⇒P= − 2
v̅ − b v̅ P1 am2
e

P2 = +
0.083 × 300 3.64 2 4
⇒P= −
ef

0.15 − 0.04 (0.15)2 P2 > 5 bar

⇒ P = 64.58 bar
21. Answer: (A) 24. Answer: (A)
R

a Critical isotherm passes through a point of

In (P + v2 ) (v − b) = RT
inflection at the critical point.
The term a accounts for intermolecular forces
∂p ∂2 p
of attraction between molecules. ∴ ∂v| = ∂v2 | = 0
T T
22. Answer: (D)
Van der Waals equation of state is given by 25. Answer: (A)
a Critical isotherm passes through a point of
(P + 2 ) (v − b) = RT inflection at the critical point.
v
a → accounts for intermolecular forces of
attraction between molecules
b → accounts for volume of gas molecules.
 And since ‘Z’ is asked at critical point,
Pc Vc
Zc =
R. Tc
Van der Waals Equation is
a RT a
(P + ) (v − b) = RT ⇒ P = −
v2 v − b v2
∂ ∂2 p
At critical point, ∂vP = 0 & ∂v2 = 0

∂2 p
vc 8Pc vc
∂p
So at critical point, ∂v| = 0 and ∂v2 | = 0 a = 3Pc vc2 ; b = &R=
T T 3 3Tc

0 de
a
Pc vc ( )(3b) 3
27b2
26. Answer: (D) ∴ Zc = = 8a =
RTc R( ) 8
27Rb
Critical isotherm passes through a point of

I1 o
inflection at the critical point. 29. Answer: (A)
PV/nT Pv
Z= =
c (b ≪ v
b 2 b3
̅
R RT
EG al
, can be neglected)
v2 v3
a
(P + ) (v − b) = RT
v2
N rr

RT a
∂p ∂2 p P= − 2
So at critical point, ∂v| = 0 and ∂v2 | = 0 v−b v
e

T T
Pv
27. Answer: (C) Z=
ef

RT
Critical isotherm passes through a point of v RT a
inflection at the critical point. Z= [ − 2]
RT (v − b) v
R

v a
Z= −
(v − b) vRT
1 a
Z= b
−
1−v vRT

b −1 a
Z = (1 − ) −
v vRT
At critical point, (1 − x)−1 = 1 + x + x 2 + x 3 + ⋯
∂P ∂2 P b b 2 b 3 a
| = 2| =0 Z = 1 + ( ) + ( ) + ( ) + ⋯−
∂v T=c ∂v T=c v v v vRT
b a
Z= 1+ −
28. Answer: (C) v vRT
PV/nT pv 1 a
Z= = Z = 1 + (b − )
̅
R RT v RT
 1×3 9
Zr = 4 =
30. Answer: (0.300 to 0.330) 4
3
vcom
Z= ⇒ vcom = Z videal 9 9 3 27
videal Z = × Zc = × =
4 4 8 32
⇒ vcom − vactual Z = 0.84
= Z videal − vactual + videal − videal
32. Answer: (72 to 75)
= (Zvideal − videal ) + (videal − vact )
One litre of air contains 21% O2 and 79% N2 , so
RT
= (Z − 1) + (videal − vact ) 1 litre of air = [O2 + 3.76 N2 ]
P
0.0815×323
= (0.84 − 1) + (4.529 × 10−3) Now stoichiometric reaction

0 de
1000

= (−0.16)(0.0815)(323) + (4.529 × 10−3 ) CH1 + 2[o2 + 3.76 N2 ]

= 0.317 × 10−3 m3 /kg → 2H2 O + 2 × 3.76 N2 + CO2

50% excess air is supplied

I1 o
CH4 + 1.5 × 2[O2 + 3.76 N2 ]
31. Answer: (0.83 to 0.85)

Pr =
8Tr
− 2
3Vr − 1 Vr
3 c → 2H2 O + CO2 + 3 × 3.76 N2
+ O2
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3 4 3×3.76
Given, Zc = 8 , Tr = 3 , Vr = 3 % of N2 = 2+1+1+3×3.76 = 73.82%
4
8×3 3
N rr

Pr = −
3×3−1 32
Pr = 1
PV
e

Z= … (i)
RT
Pc Vc
Zc = … (ii)
ef

RTc
P V
Z (P ) (V ) P V
r R
= Zr = c T c =
Zc Tr
R

Tc
Basic Thermodynamics by NEGI10 PYQs - 07

Chapter : Basic Concepts

Topic : Various Process - I
1. [MCQ, ] the piston is ____kg (round off to 2 decimal
In the figure shown below, various places).
Assume that the atmospheric pressure is
thermodynamics processes for an ideal gas are

0 de
100 kPa and the acceleration due to gravity is
represented. Match each curve with the process 9.81 m/s 2 .
that it best represents. [GATE-2022-XE]

I1 o
3. [MCQ, ]

c One kg of an ideal gas (molecular weight = X)

occupies a certain volume V at temperature T
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and pressure p1 . Four kgs of another ideal gas
(molecular weight = 2X) is added to the first gas
N rr

keeping the volume V and temperature T same

as before. The final pressure is
e

A. aa’ – Isentropic; bb’ – Isothermal; cc’ –

A. 2 P1
Isobaric; dd’ – Isochoric
ef

B. 3 P1
B. aa’ – Isothermal; bb’ – Isentropic; cc’ – C. 4 P1
Isochoric; dd’ – Isobaric
R

D. 5 P1
C. aa’ – Isothermal; bb’ – Isentropic; cc’ – [GATE-2019-XE]
Isobaric; dd’ – Isochoric
4. [NAT, ]
D. aa’ – Isothermal; bb’ – Isobaric; cc’ –
If one mole of H2 gas occupies a rigid container
Isentropic; dd’ – Isochoric
with a capacity of 1000 litres and the
[GATE-2024-AE]
temperature is raised from 27°C to 37°C, the
change in pressure of the contained gas (round
2. [NAT, ]
off to two decimal places), assuming ideal gas
A vertical cylinder-piston device contains a fixed
mass of gas in equilibrium. The cross-sectional ̅ = 8.314 J/mol. K)
behavior, is _____Pa. (R
area of the piston is 0.05 m2 . For 150 kPa [GATE-2019-ME]
pressure of the gas in the cylinder, the mass of
5. [MCQ, ] Out of these which processes are reversible?
Consider a piston-cylinder arrangement A. (i) and (iii)
containing a gas. This system is heated by B. (i) and (iv)
placing it on the top of a burner. The system C. (ii) and (iii)
undergoes D. (ii) and (iv)
A. a constant volume process [GATE-2017-AE]
B. a constant pressure process
C. an adiabatic process
D. an isothermal process
[GATE-2012-XE]

0 de
6. [MCQ, ]
Consider a system consisting of certain amount

I1 o
of perfect gas enclosed in a cylinder fitted with a
frictionless piston. This system can undergo
following process
c
(i) Expansion with finite pressure difference
with the surrounding.
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(ii) Compression with infinitesimal pressure
difference with the surrounding.
N rr

(iii) He transfer with finite temperature

difference with the reservoir.
e

(iv) Heat transfer with infinitesimal temperature

difference with the reservoir.
ef
R
 Answer Key
1. (C) 5. (B)
2. (254.00 to 255.00) 6. (D)
3. (B)
4. (82.14 to 84.14)

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c
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 Solutions
1. Answer: (C) m1 = 1 kg; m2 = 4 kg
M1 = X; M2 = 2X
V1 = V; V2 = V
T1 = T; T2 = T
Pm = P1 + P2
PV = MRT
̅
R
PV = m ( ) T

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M
mR̅T
aa’ – Isothermal; bb’ – Isentropic; cc’ – Isobaric; P=
MV
dd’ – Isochoric
̅T1 R̅T1

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m1 R
P1 = =
2. Answer: (254.00 to 255.00) M1 V1 XV

c Similarly P2 =

̅T
2R
̅ T2
m2 R
M2 V2
̅T
4R
= 2XV
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P2 =
XV
P2 = 2P1
N rr

A = 0.05 m2 ⇒ Final pressure = P2 + P1

P = 150 kPa = 2P1 + P1 = 3P1

e

At Equilibrium
ef

4. Answer: (82.14 to 84.14)

PA = Patm,L A + W ̅T
PV = nR
PA = Patm,L A + mg ̅T1
P1 V = nR → (1)
R

(P − Patm,L ) A ̅T2 → (2)

P2 V = nR
m=
g
Equation (2) – Equation (1)
(150 − 100) × 103 × 0.05
m= ̅(T2 − T1 )
(P2 − P1 )V = nR
9.81
̅(T2 − T1 )
nR
m = 254.84kg P2 − P1 =
V
1 × 8.314 × 10
3. Answer: (B) P2 − P1 =
1
P2 − P1 = 83.14 Pa
5. Answer: (B) 6. Answer: (D)

Applying force balance on the piston

Wpiston
Pg = Patm,L +

0 de
A
∵ piston weight, area, atmospheric pressure
are constant

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⇒ Pg is constant.

c
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Basic Thermodynamics by NEGI10 PYQs - 08

Chapter : Basic Concepts

Topic : Various Process - II
1. [NAT, ] A. T1 > T2 > T3
In a closed piston-cylinder system, methane was B. T2 > T3 > T1
observed to obey the following equation of C. T3 > T1 > T2

0 de
state. D. T2 < T1 < T3
̅T
p(V − nb) = nR [GATE-2017-MT]
3
where b = 0.029 m /mol. The temperature

I1 o
and volume are 500°C and 5 m3 respectively for 3. [MCQ, ]

c
100 moles of methane. At this state of the
system, the isobaric rate of change of
Consider an ideal gas in a frictionless piston
cylinder assembly. The weightless piston is
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temperature with volume (in °C/m3 ) is initially loaded with a large number of small

________ (rounded off to second decimal weights. How would you carry out a reversible
N rr

place). isothermal expansion process? Assume that a

large number of very small weights, and an
[GATE-2018-CH]
e

arrangement for reversible heat transfer are

2. [MCQ, ] available.
ef

The pressure (P) versus volume (V) diagram A. without adding or removing weights on the
given below represents reversible isothermal piston, transfer heat to the system
R

curves at temperatures, T1 , T2 and T3 . B. without adding or removing weights on the

piston, transfer heat from the system
C. adding weights on the piston, transfer heat to
the system.
D. removing weights from the piston, transfer
heat to the system.
[GATE-2007-XE]

Considering one mole of ideal gas for all the 3

isothermal processes, which one of the
following is TRUE?
4. [MCQ, ] 6. [MCQ, ]
For the isentropic expansion of an ideal gas from Air enters an adiabatic compressor at 300 K. The
the initial conditions P1 , T1 to the final conditions exit temperature for a compression ratio of 3,
cp 7
P2 , T2 , which one of the following relations is assuming air to be an ideal gas (γ = c = 5) and
v

c the process to be reversible, is

valid? (γ = cP ) 2 3
v
γ
A. 300 (37 ) B. 300 (35 )
P1 T2 γ P1 T γ−1
A. (P ) = (T ) B. (P ) = (T1 ) 3 5
2 1 2 2 C. 300 (37 ) D. 300 (37 )
γ−1
P1 T1
C. (P ) = (T )
P1 T1
D. (P ) = (T )
γ [GATE-2001-CH]
2 2 2 2

0 de
[GATE-2006-CH]
7. [MCQ, ]
Air (γ = 1.4) is compressed ideally from an
5. [MCQ, ]

I1 o
initial state of 1 bar, 300 K to a final
1 m3 of an ideal gas at 500 K and 1000 kPa
temperature of 600 K. The value of the final
c
expands reversibly to 5 times its initial volume
in an insulated container. If the specific heat
pressure in bar is
A. 2 B. 3.7
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capacity (at constant pressure) of the gas is
C. 7.2 D. 11.3
21 J/mol − K, the final temperature will be
[GATE-2009-XE]
N rr

A. 35 K B. 174 K
C. 274 K D. 154 K
e

8. [MCQ, ]
[GATE-2002-CH]
A certain mass of gas at 0°C is expanded to 81
ef

times its original volume under adiabatic

conditions. If ratio of specific heats of the gas,
R

γ = 1.25, the final temperature of the gas is

A. −235°C B. − 182°C
C. −91°C D. 0°C
[GATE-2012-XE]
 Answer Key
1. (367 to 369) 6. (A)
2. (B) 7. (D)
3. (D) 8. (B)
4. (B)
5. (B)

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c
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 Solutions
1. Answer: (367 to 369) supplied to the system comes out as work by
̅T the system.
Given equation is p(V − nb) = nR
m3 4. Answer: (B)
b = 0.029 ; n = 100;
mol For an isentropic expansion, undergone by
̅ = 8.314 J/ (mol-K);
R perfect gas
3
T = 500°C = 773 K; V = 5 m 1−γ
TP γ =C
At constant p, 1−γ 1−γ
γ γ

0 de
dT p T1 P1 = T2 P2
̅dT ⇒
P(dV) = nR | =
dV p nR ̅ γ
P1 T1 γ−1
dT nR̅T T ⇒( )=( )
⇒ | = = P2 T2
̅ V − nb
dV P (V − nb)nR

I1 o
dT 773 773 5. Answer: (B)
⇒ | = =

= 368.09 K/m3
c
dV p (5 − 100(0.029)) 5 − 2.9 Insulated cylinder ⇒ adiabatic process
For Isentropic expansion undergone by perfect
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dT gas
∴ | = 368.09 K/m3
dV p
⇒ TV γ−1 = Constant
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γ−1 γ−1
2. Answer: (B) T2 V2 = T1 V1
1 γ−1
e

T2 = 500 (5)
3. Answer: (D)
500
ef

T2 =
5γ−1
̅
γR
c̅p =
R

γ−1
γ. (8.314)
⇒ 21 =
γ−1
⇒ γ = 1.655
500
⇒ T2 =
51.655−1
For carrying out an isothermal process, ‘U’ has = 174.23 K
to be constant.
By FLT, Q − W = ΔU
⇒Q=W
So, by removing some weights from the piston,
due to imbalance of pressure, the heat energy
6. Answer: (A) 1 1.25−1
T2 = ( ) × 273
81
1
T2 = × 273
3
T2 = 91 K
T2 = 91 − 273 = −182°C

Ti = 300 K
Po 7

0 de
= 3; γ =
Pi 5
Assuming the compression to be adiabatic and
reversible,

I1 o
1−γ
TP γ =C

Ti Pi
1−γ
γ

Pi
= To Po
1−γ
γ
1−γ
γ
c
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To = Ti ( )
Po
−2/5 2
1 7/5 1 −7
N rr

⇒ To = 300 ( ) = (300) ( )
3 3
2
⇒ To = 300 (3)7 K
e
ef

7. Answer: (D)
1−γ
TP γ = const
1−γ 1−γ
R

γ γ
T1 P1 = T2 P2
γ γ
T1 1−γ T2 γ−1
P2 = ( ) P1 ⇒ P2 = ( ) p1
T2 T1
1.4
600 0.4
P2 = ( ) ×1
300
P2 = 11.3 bar

8. Answer: (B)
TV γ−1 = const
γ−1 γ−1
T2 V2 = T1 V1
V1 γ−1
T2 = ( ) × T1
V2
Basic Thermodynamics by NEGI10 PYQs - 09

Chapter : Basic Concepts

Topic : Various Process - III
C. The substance is a non-ideal gas and process
1. [MCQ, ] is reversible
In a polytropic process described by PV n = C, if
D. The substance is an ideal gas and process is

0 de
n = 0, the process is called as
NOT reversible
A. Isobaric B. isochoric
[GATE-2024-XE]
C. Isothermal D. isentropic

I1 o
[GATE-2020-XE] 4. [MCQ, ]
On a P − V diagram of an ideal gas, suppose a
2. [NAT, ] c
A new temperature scale (°N) has been
reversible adiabatic line intersects a reversible
isothermal line at point A. Then at point A, the
EG al
proposed where the normal freezing and normal ∂P
slope of the reversible adiabatic line (∂V) and
S
boiling points of water are marked as 500°N and
N rr

∂P
100°N, respectively. If the temperature of a the slope of the reversible isothermal line ( )
∂V T

system is measured to be 0°N, its temperature are related as

e

γ
according to the Celsius scale (in °C) is _____. ∂P
A. (∂V) = (∂V)
∂P ∂P ∂P
B. (∂V) = [(∂V) ]
ef

S T S T
[GATE-2020-XE]
∂P ∂P ∂P 1 ∂P
C. (∂V) = γ (∂V) D. (∂V) = γ (∂V)
S T S T
R

3. [MSQ, ] Cp
A closed system containing an unknown Where γ = C
v

substance undergoes an adiabatic process [GATE-2000-CH]

governed by the relation PV γ = constant,
where P is pressure, V is volume and γ is the 5. [MCQ, ]
ratio of specific heats. For this scenario, which of In a closed system, the isentropic expansion of
an ideal gas with constant specific heats is
the following statements is/are TRUE?
represented by
A. The substance is an ideal gas and process is
reversible
B. The substance is a liquid and process is
reversible
 A. does not change
B. increases
C. decreases
D. changes depending on the initial condition
[GATE-2014-CH]
[GATE-2009-XE]

6. [MCQ, ] 8. [NAT, ]
The polytropic index n of an isochoric process is
Length of a certain metal rod at 0°C is 10 cm.
equal to
The coefficient of linear expansion of that metal

0 de
A. zero B. one
varies with temperature as 10−4 + 10−5 ×
C. minus one D. infinity cm
T (cm)/°C. When the length of the metal rod is
[GATE-2007-XE]

I1 o
10.2 cm, the rise in temperature in °C is _____.
7. [MCQ, ]
An ideal gas undergoes expansion according to [GATE-2017-XE]
c
the process PV 0.5 = constant. The temperature
of the gas during the expansion process
EG al
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 Answer Key
1. (A) 6. (D)
2. (125 to 125) 7. (B)
3. (A) 8. (53 to 55)
4. (C)
5. (D)

0 de
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c
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 Solutions
1. Answer: (A) −kp
Slope on P-V diagram = V
at k = 0 PV k = const
We have PV n = Constant
0
⇒ PV = const
⇒ d(PV k ) = 0
⇒ P = const
Pk V k−1 dV + V k dP = 0
V k dP = −kPV k−1 dV
dp −kP
=
dV V

0 de
For Isothermal process,
dp −P
k=1⇒ | =
dV T V

I1 o
For adiabatic process, k= γ
dp γP
c ⇒

dp
| = −
dV S V

∴ dV| = γ. dV|
dp
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2. Answer: (125 to 125) S T

3. Answer: (A) 5. Answer: (D)

N rr

A closed system containing an ideal gas ln P − lnV diagram

d(ln P)
undergoes a reversible adiabatic process Slope =
e

d(ln V)
(isentropic process), then PV γ = Constant can 1
ef

dP
be used. P
Slope = 1
dV
V
R

4. Answer: (C) V dP
⇒ Slope =
P dV
Isentropic process undergone by perfect gas
dP P
= −γ
dV V
V P
Slope = [−γ ]
P V
∴ Slope = −γ
Slope = −ive constant.

For any process, PV k = Constant

6. Answer: (D) 7. Answer: (B)
PV k = Constant PV 0.5 = const
PV n = const
P1/n V = Constant → (1)
n = 0.5
For Isochoric process
TV n−1 = const
V = constant
TV 0.5−1 = const
P 0 V = Constant → (2)
TV −0.5 = const
From eq (1) & eq (2)
T
1 = const
⇒ =0 V 0.5
n

0 de
T = const × V 0.5
⇒n=∞
So during expansion V increases and as a result
T increases.

I1 o
8. Answer: (53 to 55)
c
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