The graph given below shows the total work done in an expansion when the state of an ideal gas is changed reversibly and isothermally from
(Pi,Vi) to
(Pf,Vf). Compare the work done in the above case with that carried out against a constant external pressure
Pf.
(i) Area
ABVfVi represents total work done for a reversible isothermal expansion from
(Pi,Vi) to
(Pf,Vf).
(ii) Area
CBVfVi represents work done against a constant pressure
Pf.