HESI A2 Physics Practice Test Related

Review HESI A2 Physics Practice Test related questions and content

When a gas is compressed isothermally, we can say that:

  • A. The gas performs work on the surroundings, and its internal energy increases.
  • B. The gas performs work on the surroundings, and its internal energy decreases.
  • C. The surroundings perform work on the gas, and its internal energy increases.
  • D. The surroundings perform work on the gas, and its internal energy decreases.
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: When a gas is compressed isothermally, the surroundings perform work on the gas. In this process, since the temperature remains constant (isothermal), the internal energy of the gas does not change. Therefore, the correct answer is that the surroundings perform work on the gas, and its internal energy decreases. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they incorrectly describe the direction of work and the change in internal energy during an isothermal compression.