For the isothermal expansion of a gas into a vacuum, E =0, q =0 and w =0 Part A

Question

For the isothermal expansion of a gas into a vacuum, E=0, q=0 and w=0

Part A

Is this a spontaneous process?

Part B

Explain why no work is done by the system during this process.

1- When gas molecules are moving no work is always done because gas particles are too small and separated on large distances from each other.

3- There is nothing inside the vessel containing the vacuum, so the work of the system is applied to draw a gas into the vessel. On the other hand, when the gas is drawn, gas particles collide, and the work is done on the resistance to the deformation. But in the end of the expansion the particles are in the vessel and not deformated, so the sum of the work is equal to zero, and we can say that no work is done.

Part C

What is the driving force for the expansion of the gas: enthalpy or entropy?

Explanation / Answer

answers :

part A ) : yes
part B) : There is literally nothing inside the vessel containing the vacuum, no gas molecules and no physical barriers. As the ideal gas expands into the vacuum, there is nothing for it to push back, so no work is done.

part C)   Entropy.

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