Maxwell-Boltzmann Distribution of molecular speeds in a gas

Phase diagrams

W= Work Done BY a Gas = Memorize!

When gas does work, it loses internal energy (unless energy is added, via heat.) When is does negative work, it gains internal energy

A gas in a piston is taken from state 1 to state 2. The outside pressure is higher than the pressure in the cylinder. For which path does the gas do the largest positive work? For which path does the gas do the most negative work? (I.e. for which path is the most work done ON the gas) Or choose E] no path does work of this sign