AP Physics 2 : Heat Transfer and Thermal Equilibrium

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for AP Physics 2

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Example Questions

Example Question #11 : Heat Transfer And Thermal Equilibrium

What happens when an ideal gas is adiabatically compressed?

Possible Answers:

Thermal energy flows from the surroundings to the gas

Thermal energy flows from the gas to the surroundings

None of the other answers

The temperature of the gas increases

The temperature of the gas remains constant

Correct answer:

The temperature of the gas increases

Explanation:

Adiabatic means that no heat/energy is transferred. Since the gas is compressed and no heat is transferred, the volume decreases causing the pressure and temperature to rise. 

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