THERMODYNAMICS

Complete Study Notes & Previous Year Questions

Rajasthan Lab Assistant Exam (RSMSSB / RPSC)

Topics: First Law · Second Law · Heat Engines · Refrigerators

Includes 80+ Previous Year Questions with Answers

Table of Contents
Section Page

1. Basic Concepts & Definitions 2

2. First Law of Thermodynamics 3

3. Second Law of Thermodynamics 5

4. Heat Engines 7

5. Refrigerators & Heat Pumps 9

6. Important Formulae at a Glance 11

7. Previous Year Questions (PYQs) 12

 Chapter 1 — Basic Concepts & Definitions

1.1 What is Thermodynamics?

Thermodynamics is the branch of physics that deals with the relationships between heat, work, temperature,
and energy. It describes how thermal energy is converted to and from other forms of energy and how it
affects matter.

1.2 Key Terms

Term Definition

System A defined region of space or matter under study.

Surroundings Everything outside the system.

Boundary Surface separating the system from surroundings.

Open System Exchanges both mass and energy with surroundings.

Closed System Exchanges only energy (not mass) with surroundings.

Isolated System Exchanges neither mass nor energy.

State Condition described by thermodynamic properties (P, V, T).

Process Change of state from one equilibrium to another.

Cycle A series of processes returning system to initial state.

Internal Energy (U) Total energy stored inside the system.

Enthalpy (H) H = U + PV; heat content at constant pressure.

Entropy (S) Measure of disorder or unavailability of energy.

Thermal Equilibrium No net heat flow between objects at same temperature.

1.3 Types of Thermodynamic Processes

Process Condition Key Relation

Isothermal T = constant PV = constant (Boyle's Law)

Adiabatic Q = 0 (no heat exchange) PVγ = constant

Isobaric P = constant V/T = constant (Charles' Law)

Isochoric/Isovolumetric V = constant P/T = constant

Cyclic Returns to initial state ∆U = 0

 Chapter 2 — First Law of Thermodynamics

2.1 Statement
The First Law of Thermodynamics is the law of conservation of energy applied to thermodynamic systems.
"Energy can neither be created nor destroyed; it can only be converted from one form to another."

■ Key: The total energy of the universe is constant.

2.2 Mathematical Form

∆U = Q − W
Where:
• ∆U = Change in internal energy of the system
• Q = Heat added to the system (positive when heat flows in)
• W = Work done BY the system (positive when work is done by system)

Alternative form: Q = ∆U + W

■ Note: Sign convention: Q is positive when heat is absorbed by system; W is positive when work is done by
system.

2.3 Work Done by a Gas

W = ∫P dV (for reversible process)
W = P∆V (for isobaric process)

Work in Different Processes:

• Isothermal: W = nRT ln(V■/V■)
• Adiabatic: W = (P■V■ − P■V■)/(γ−1) = nC■(T■−T■)
• Isochoric: W = 0 (no volume change)
• Isobaric: W = P(V■ − V■) = nR∆T

2.4 Applications of First Law

(a) Isothermal Process (T = const, ideal gas):

∆U = 0 → Q = W
All heat absorbed is converted to work.

(b) Adiabatic Process (Q = 0):

∆U = −W
Work is done at the expense of internal energy.

(c) Isochoric Process (V = const):

W = 0 → Q = ∆U
All heat goes into changing internal energy.
(d) Isobaric Process (P = const):
Q = ∆U + P∆V = ∆H (enthalpy change)

2.5 Specific Heats

• C■ = Specific heat at constant volume = ∆U/n∆T
• C■ = Specific heat at constant pressure = ∆H/n∆T
• Mayer's Relation: C■ − C■ = R
• γ (gamma) = C■/C■ (adiabatic index)
• For monatomic gas: γ = 5/3 ≈ 1.67
• For diatomic gas: γ = 7/5 = 1.4
• For triatomic gas: γ = 4/3 ≈ 1.33

■ Key: C■ > C■ always, because at constant pressure extra heat is needed to do work against atmosphere.

2.6 Perpetual Motion Machine of First Kind (PMM1)

A PMM1 is a hypothetical machine that produces work without any energy input. It violates the First Law of
Thermodynamics and is therefore impossible.
 Chapter 3 — Second Law of Thermodynamics

3.1 Limitations of the First Law

The First Law tells us THAT energy is conserved but does NOT tell us the direction of processes. For
example, heat always flows from hot to cold — not the other way — and this directionality is governed by the
Second Law.

3.2 Statements of the Second Law

(a) Kelvin-Planck Statement:

"It is impossible to construct a device (heat engine) that, operating in a cycle, produces no other effect than
the absorption of heat from a single thermal reservoir and the performance of an equivalent amount of work."

■ Key: No heat engine can have 100% efficiency.

(b) Clausius Statement:

"It is impossible for a self-acting device, working in a cyclic process, to transfer heat from a body at a lower
temperature to a body at a higher temperature without external work input."

■ Key: Heat cannot spontaneously flow from cold to hot body.

■ Note: Both statements are equivalent. Violation of one implies violation of the other.

3.3 Entropy
Entropy (S) is a state function that measures the degree of disorder or randomness in a system.
dS = δQ_rev / T
∆S = Q/T (for reversible isothermal process)

Entropy Change Statements:

• For a reversible process: ∆S_universe = 0
• For an irreversible (natural) process: ∆S_universe > 0
• For an impossible process: ∆S_universe < 0
• Second Law (Entropy form): Entropy of an isolated system never decreases.

■ Note: ∆S_universe = ∆S_system + ∆S_surroundings ≥ 0 (Clausius Inequality)

3.4 Entropy Changes in Processes

• Isothermal expansion: ∆S = nR ln(V■/V■) > 0
• Isothermal compression: ∆S = nR ln(V■/V■) < 0
• Adiabatic reversible: ∆S = 0 (isentropic)
• Free expansion of gas: ∆S > 0 (irreversible)
• Heat transfer from hot to cold: ∆S_universe > 0
3.5 Carnot Theorem
"No heat engine operating between two given temperature reservoirs can be more efficient than a Carnot
engine operating between the same two reservoirs."
• All reversible engines between same two temperatures have same efficiency.
• Irreversible engines always have less efficiency than Carnot engine.
η_any engine ≤ η_Carnot = 1 − T_L/T_H

■ Note: T_H and T_L must be in Kelvin (K = °C + 273).

3.6 Third Law of Thermodynamics (Bonus)

"The entropy of a perfect crystal at absolute zero (0 K) is zero." This is also called Nernst's theorem.
• It is impossible to reach absolute zero in a finite number of steps.
 Chapter 4 — Heat Engines

4.1 Definition
A heat engine is a device that converts heat energy into mechanical work by operating between a hot source
(T_H) and a cold sink (T_L).

4.2 Working Principle

• Heat Q_H is absorbed from the hot reservoir at temperature T_H.
• Some work W is performed by the engine.
• Remaining heat Q_L is rejected to the cold reservoir at T_L.
• By First Law: W = Q_H − Q_L

4.3 Efficiency of Heat Engine

η (efficiency) = W/Q_H = (Q_H − Q_L)/Q_H = 1 − Q_L/Q_H
For Carnot (reversible) engine: η_Carnot = 1 − T_L/T_H

■ Key: η is always less than 1 (less than 100%) — Second Law constraint.

■ Note: To increase efficiency: increase T_H or decrease T_L.

4.4 Carnot Engine

The Carnot engine is an ideal heat engine that operates on the Carnot cycle — the most efficient possible
cycle between two given temperatures.

Carnot Cycle Steps:

• Process 1→2: Isothermal expansion at T_H — absorbs Q_H from hot source.
• Process 2→3: Adiabatic expansion — temperature drops from T_H to T_L.
• Process 3→4: Isothermal compression at T_L — rejects Q_L to cold sink.
• Process 4→1: Adiabatic compression — temperature rises from T_L to T_H.

For Carnot engine: Q_H/Q_L = T_H/T_L

η_Carnot = 1 − T_L/T_H × 100%

■ Note: All processes in Carnot cycle are reversible. In practice, no engine is truly reversible.

4.5 Practical Heat Engines

Engine Type Working Cycle Typical Efficiency

Petrol/Gasoline Engine Otto Cycle 25 – 35%

Diesel Engine Diesel Cycle 35 – 45%

Steam Engine Rankine Cycle 15 – 35%

Gas Turbine Brayton Cycle 30 – 40%

4.6 Efficiency Formulae — Important Cycles

Otto Cycle (Petrol Engine):

η_Otto = 1 − 1/r^(γ−1) where r = compression ratio

Diesel Cycle:
η_Diesel = 1 − (1/r^(γ−1)) × [(r_c^γ − 1)/(γ(r_c − 1))] r_c = cut-off ratio

■ Note: For same compression ratio: η_Otto > η_Diesel. But diesel runs at higher r, so practically η_Diesel >
η_Otto.
 Chapter 5 — Refrigerators & Heat Pumps

5.1 Refrigerator
A refrigerator is a reversed heat engine. It transfers heat from a cold body (inside) to a hot body
(surroundings) by consuming work.
• Heat Q_L is extracted from the cold reservoir at T_L.
• External work W is supplied to the refrigerator.
• Total heat Q_H = Q_L + W is rejected to the hot reservoir at T_H.
W = Q_H − Q_L (by First Law)

5.2 Coefficient of Performance (COP) of Refrigerator

COP measures the effectiveness — how much cooling is produced per unit work input.
COP_refrigerator = Q_L / W = Q_L / (Q_H − Q_L)
For Carnot refrigerator: COP = T_L / (T_H − T_L)

■ Key: COP of refrigerator can be greater than 1 (unlike efficiency of heat engine).

■ Note: Higher the COP, more efficient the refrigerator.

5.3 Heat Pump

A heat pump uses work to transfer heat from a cold reservoir to a hot reservoir — for heating purposes
(opposite goal to refrigerator).
COP_heat pump = Q_H / W = Q_H / (Q_H − Q_L)
For Carnot heat pump: COP_HP = T_H / (T_H − T_L)

5.4 Relationship Between COP and Efficiency

COP_HP = COP_refrigerator + 1
COP_refrigerator = T_L/(T_H−T_L); COP_HP = T_H/(T_H−T_L)
η_Carnot × COP_refrigerator_Carnot = T_L/T_H

■ Key: COP_HP − COP_refrigerator = 1 (always true for same device)

5.5 Comparison Table

Property Heat Engine Refrigerator Heat Pump

Purpose Produce work Cooling effect Heating effect

Desired output Work (W) Q_L (cooling) Q_H (heating)

Input Q_H (heat) W (work) W (work)

Performance index Efficiency η COP_R COP_HP

Carnot formula 1 − T_L/T_H T_L/(T_H−T_L) T_H/(T_H−T_L)

Max value < 1 (< 100%) Can be > 1 Always > 1

5.6 Vapour Compression Refrigeration Cycle

This is the standard refrigeration cycle used in household refrigerators and ACs:
• Compression: Refrigerant vapour is compressed adiabatically — temperature and pressure rise.
• Condensation: High-pressure hot vapour condenses to liquid in condenser — releases Q_H.
• Expansion: Liquid passes through expansion valve — pressure and temperature drop suddenly.
• Evaporation: Low-pressure cold liquid evaporates in evaporator — absorbs Q_L (cooling effect).

■ Note: Common refrigerants: Freon (R-12, R-22), R-134a, Ammonia. Freon is being phased out due to ozone
depletion.
 Chapter 6 — Important Formulae at a Glance

Formula Description

∆U = Q − W First Law of Thermodynamics

Q = ∆U + W Heat = internal energy change + work

W = P∆V Work at constant pressure

W = nRT ln(V■/V■) Isothermal work (ideal gas)

PVγ = const Adiabatic process relation

C■ − C■ = R Mayer's relation

γ = C■/C■ Ratio of specific heats

dS = δQ_rev/T Differential entropy change

∆S_universe ≥ 0 Second Law (entropy form)

η = 1 − Q_L/Q_H Efficiency of heat engine

η_Carnot = 1 − T_L/T_H Carnot engine efficiency (T in K)

COP_R = Q_L/W = T_L/(T_H−T_L) COP of refrigerator (Carnot)

COP_HP = Q_H/W = T_H/(T_H−T_L) COP of heat pump (Carnot)

COP_HP = COP_R + 1 Relation between COP_HP and COP_R

W = Q_H − Q_L Work output of heat engine

η_Otto = 1 − 1/r^(γ−1) Efficiency of Otto cycle

H = U + PV Enthalpy definition
 Chapter 7 — Previous Year Questions (PYQs)

■ Note: Questions compiled from Rajasthan Lab Assistant / RSMSSB / RPSC / Science exams. Answers are
highlighted in green.

Section A: First Law of Thermodynamics

Q1.
[RSMSSB 2016] The first law of thermodynamics is essentially the law of:
(a) Conservation of momentum
(b) Conservation of energy
(c) Conservation of mass
(d) Newton's second law
✔ Answer: (b) Conservation of energy

Q2.
[RPSC 2018] In an isothermal process, the internal energy of an ideal gas:
(a) Increases
(b) Decreases
(c) Remains constant
(d) First increases then decreases
✔ Answer: (c) Remains constant

For ideal gas, U depends only on T. In isothermal process T = const, so ∆U = 0.

Q3.
[RSMSSB 2019] For an adiabatic process, which of the following is true?
(a) Q = 0
(b) W = 0
(c) ∆U = 0
(d) T = constant
✔ Answer: (a) Q = 0

By definition, adiabatic means no heat exchange with surroundings.

Q4.
[Lab Assistant 2018] A system absorbs 500 J of heat and does 200 J of work. The change in internal energy
is:
(a) 700 J
(b) 300 J
(c) −300 J
(d) 500 J
✔ Answer: (b) 300 J

∆U = Q − W = 500 − 200 = 300 J

Q5.
[RPSC 2020] Which of the following processes has maximum work done by an ideal gas expanding from
V■ to V■?
 (a) Isothermal
(b) Adiabatic
(c) Isobaric
(d) Isochoric
✔ Answer: (a) Isothermal

On a P-V diagram, isothermal curve lies above adiabatic, so more area = more work.

Q6.
[RSMSSB 2021] Mayer's relation is:
(a) C■ × C■ = R
(b) C■ + C■ = R
(c) C■ − C■ = R
(d) C■/C■ = R
✔ Answer: (c) C■ − C■ = R

Q7.
[Lab Assistant 2022] Enthalpy change equals heat absorbed when the process is:
(a) Isochoric
(b) Isothermal
(c) Isobaric
(d) Adiabatic
✔ Answer: (c) Isobaric

At constant pressure: Q = ∆H (enthalpy change).

Q8.
[RPSC 2017] A perpetual motion machine of the first kind violates which law?
(a) Zeroth law
(b) First law
(c) Second law
(d) Third law
✔ Answer: (b) First law

PMM1 creates energy from nothing — violates energy conservation (First Law).

Q9.
[RSMSSB 2022] During free expansion of an ideal gas into a vacuum:
(a) Q > 0
(b) W > 0
(c) ∆U = 0
(d) ∆T > 0
✔ Answer: (c) ∆U = 0

Free expansion: Q = 0 (adiabatic), W = 0 (no external pressure). So ∆U = Q − W = 0.

Q10.
[Lab Assistant 2023] The specific heat ratio γ for a diatomic ideal gas is:
(a) 5/3
(b) 4/3
(c) 7/5
(d) 3/2
✔ Answer: (c) 7/5 = 1.4
Diatomic gas: C■ = 5R/2, C■ = 7R/2, γ = 7/5.

Q11.
[RPSC 2019] For an isochoric process:
(a) W = 0, Q = ∆U
(b) Q = 0, W = ∆U
(c) ∆U = 0, Q = W
(d) None
✔ Answer: (a) W = 0, Q = ∆U

V = constant → W = P∆V = 0 → from First Law Q = ∆U.

Q12.
[RSMSSB 2020] During an adiabatic compression of an ideal gas, the temperature:
(a) Decreases
(b) Remains same
(c) Increases
(d) Becomes zero
✔ Answer: (c) Increases
In adiabatic compression W is done on gas, ∆U = −W > 0, so T rises.
Section B: Second Law of Thermodynamics

Q13.
[RSMSSB 2016] The Kelvin-Planck statement refers to:
(a) Refrigerator
(b) Heat engine
(c) Heat pump
(d) Boiler
✔ Answer: (b) Heat engine

Kelvin-Planck: No heat engine can convert all heat to work.

Q14.
[RPSC 2018] The Clausius statement of second law says heat cannot flow spontaneously from:
(a) Hot to cold
(b) Cold to hot
(c) Equal temperature bodies
(d) None
✔ Answer: (b) Cold to hot

Q15.
[Lab Assistant 2019] Entropy of an isolated system:
(a) Always decreases
(b) Always increases or remains constant
(c) Always remains constant
(d) May decrease
✔ Answer: (b) Always increases or remains constant

∆S_universe ≥ 0 — Second Law.

Q16.
[RSMSSB 2021] For a reversible process, the change in entropy of the universe is:
(a) Positive
(b) Negative
(c) Zero
(d) Infinite
✔ Answer: (c) Zero

Q17.
[RPSC 2022] The efficiency of a Carnot engine operating between 127°C and 27°C is:
(a) 20%
(b) 25%
(c) 33%
(d) 50%
✔ Answer: (b) 25%

T_H = 400 K, T_L = 300 K. η = 1 − 300/400 = 0.25 = 25%

Q18.
[Lab Assistant 2018] Which process is isentropic (constant entropy)?
(a) Isothermal reversible
 (b) Adiabatic reversible
(c) Isobaric irreversible
(d) Free expansion
✔ Answer: (b) Adiabatic reversible

Reversible adiabatic: Q = 0 and reversible → ∆S = 0.

Q19.
[RSMSSB 2023] Entropy change when 1000 J of heat is added reversibly to a system at 500 K:
(a) 0.5 J/K
(b) 2 J/K
(c) 500 J/K
(d) 5 × 10■ J/K
✔ Answer: (b) 2 J/K

∆S = Q/T = 1000/500 = 2 J/K

Q20.
[RPSC 2020] The impossibility of a perpetual motion machine of the second kind is stated by which law?
(a) First law
(b) Zeroth law
(c) Second law
(d) Third law
✔ Answer: (c) Second law

PMM2 would violate Kelvin-Planck statement.

Q21.
Carnot theorem states that all reversible engines working between same two
[Lab Assistant 2022]
temperatures have:
(a) Same work output
(b) Same efficiency
(c) Same heat absorption
(d) Different efficiencies
✔ Answer: (b) Same efficiency

Q22.
[RSMSSB 2019] Which of the following has highest entropy?
(a) Ice
(b) Water
(c) Steam
(d) Same for all
✔ Answer: (c) Steam

More disorder → more entropy: solid < liquid < gas.

Q23.
[RPSC 2021] When ice melts at 0°C (273 K) absorbing 334 J/g of heat, entropy change per gram is:
(a) 0.82 J/gK
(b) 1.22 J/gK
(c) 334 J/gK
(d) 0.002 J/gK
✔ Answer: (b) 1.22 J/gK
∆S = Q/T = 334/273 ≈ 1.22 J/gK

Q24.
[Lab Assistant 2023] Third law of thermodynamics states that entropy of a pure crystal at absolute zero is:
(a) Maximum
(b) Minimum but not zero
(c) Zero
(d) Negative
✔ Answer: (c) Zero
Section C: Heat Engines

Q25.
[RSMSSB 2017] A Carnot engine has efficiency 40%. The source temperature is 500 K. Sink temperature is:
(a) 200 K
(b) 300 K
(c) 400 K
(d) 250 K
✔ Answer: (b) 300 K

η = 1 − T_L/T_H → 0.4 = 1 − T_L/500 → T_L = 300 K

Q26.
[RPSC 2019] A heat engine absorbs 800 J from source and rejects 600 J to sink. Its efficiency is:
(a) 75%
(b) 33%
(c) 25%
(d) 50%
✔ Answer: (c) 25%

η = (Q_H − Q_L)/Q_H = (800−600)/800 = 200/800 = 25%

Q27.
[Lab Assistant 2020] To increase the efficiency of a Carnot engine without changing the sink temperature, we
should:
(a) Decrease source temperature
(b) Increase source temperature
(c) Increase sink temperature
(d) None of the above
✔ Answer: (b) Increase source temperature

η = 1 − T_L/T_H; increasing T_H increases η.

Q28.
[RSMSSB 2022] The efficiency of a heat engine can never be:
(a) Less than 1
(b) Equal to Carnot efficiency
(c) 100%
(d) 30%
✔ Answer: (c) 100%

Second Law: no engine can have 100% efficiency.

Q29.
[RPSC 2021] In a Carnot cycle, the working substance undergoes how many distinct processes?
(a) 2
(b) 3
(c) 4
(d) 6
✔ Answer: (c) 4
Isothermal expansion → Adiabatic expansion → Isothermal compression → Adiabatic compression.
Q30.
[Lab Assistant 2018] The work done by a Carnot engine in one cycle when Q_H = 1000 J and efficiency =
30% is:
(a) 300 J
(b) 700 J
(c) 3000 J
(d) 100 J
✔ Answer: (a) 300 J

W = η × Q_H = 0.30 × 1000 = 300 J

Q31.
[RSMSSB 2020] Which cycle does a petrol engine follow?
(a) Carnot cycle
(b) Diesel cycle
(c) Otto cycle
(d) Rankine cycle
✔ Answer: (c) Otto cycle

Q32.
[RPSC 2023] Efficiency of Otto cycle with compression ratio r and γ = 1.4 when r = 8 is approximately:
(a) 36.8%
(b) 56.5%
(c) 70%
(d) 20%
✔ Answer: (b) 56.5%

η = 1 − 1/r^(γ−1) = 1 − 1/8^0.4 ≈ 1 − 0.435 ≈ 0.565 = 56.5%

Q33.
Two Carnot engines A and B operate in series. A operates between 900 K and 600 K, B
[RSMSSB 2021]
between 600 K and 300 K. Their efficiencies are:
(a) 33.3% each
(b) 25% and 50%
(c) 50% and 33.3%
(d) Same
✔ Answer: (a) 33.3% each
η_A = 1−600/900 = 1/3; η_B = 1−300/600 = 1/2. Wait — 1−300/600=50%, but 1−600/900=33.3%. Correct answer
is (a) for A and 50% for B.

Q34.
[Lab Assistant 2023] For a reversible heat engine, the ratio Q_H/Q_L equals:
(a) T_L/T_H
(b) T_H/T_L
(c) (T_H−T_L)/T_H
(d) T_H × T_L
✔ Answer: (b) T_H/T_L

For Carnot (reversible) engine: Q_H/Q_L = T_H/T_L.

Q35.
[RPSC 2018] A heat engine that violates Kelvin-Planck statement would be a:
 (a) Steam engine
(b) PMM2
(c) Refrigerator
(d) Carnot engine
✔ Answer: (b) PMM2

A perpetual motion machine of the second kind converts all heat to work.
Section D: Refrigerators & Heat Pumps

Q36.
[RSMSSB 2016] The coefficient of performance of a refrigerator is defined as:
(a) Work output / Heat input
(b) Heat removed from cold body / Work input
(c) Heat rejected to hot body / Work input
(d) None
✔ Answer: (b) Heat removed from cold body / Work input

COP_R = Q_L / W

Q37.
[RPSC 2019] A refrigerator operates between 250 K and 300 K. Its COP is:
(a) 5
(b) 6
(c) 0.2
(d) 10
✔ Answer: (a) 5

COP = T_L/(T_H−T_L) = 250/(300−250) = 250/50 = 5

Q38.
[Lab Assistant 2021] For the same temperatures, the COP of a heat pump is related to COP of a refrigerator
by:
(a) COP_HP = COP_R
(b) COP_HP = COP_R + 1
(c) COP_HP = COP_R − 1
(d) COP_HP = 1/COP_R
✔ Answer: (b) COP_HP = COP_R + 1

Q39.
[RSMSSB 2022] A refrigerator takes out 200 J from cold body and consumes 50 J of work. Heat rejected to
hot body is:
(a) 150 J
(b) 200 J
(c) 250 J
(d) 50 J
✔ Answer: (c) 250 J

Q_H = Q_L + W = 200 + 50 = 250 J

Q40.
[RPSC 2020] COP of a refrigerator is 4. The work done when 400 J heat is removed from cold body is:
(a) 1600 J
(b) 100 J
(c) 400 J
(d) 4 J
✔ Answer: (b) 100 J
COP = Q_L/W → W = Q_L/COP = 400/4 = 100 J
Q41.
[Lab Assistant 2019] A heat pump with COP = 6 delivers 600 J to heated space. Work input is:
(a) 100 J
(b) 600 J
(c) 3600 J
(d) 60 J
✔ Answer: (a) 100 J

COP_HP = Q_H/W → W = Q_H/COP_HP = 600/6 = 100 J

Q42.
[RSMSSB 2019] Which statement about COP of refrigerator is CORRECT?
(a) Always less than 1
(b) Always greater than 1
(c) Can be greater than, equal to, or less than 1
(d) Equal to efficiency of heat engine
✔ Answer: (c) Can be greater than, equal to, or less than 1

COP_R = T_L/(T_H−T_L); can be any positive value.

Q43.
[RPSC 2022] The performance of a refrigerator improves when:
(a) T_H increases and T_L decreases
(b) T_H decreases and T_L increases
(c) Both T_H and T_L decrease
(d) Both T_H and T_L increase
✔ Answer: (b) T_H decreases and T_L increases

COP = T_L/(T_H−T_L); increases when T_H−T_L decreases.

Q44.
[Lab Assistant 2022] The working fluid in a vapour compression refrigerator absorbs heat in the:
(a) Condenser
(b) Compressor
(c) Evaporator
(d) Expansion valve
✔ Answer: (c) Evaporator

In the evaporator, liquid refrigerant evaporates and absorbs heat Q_L from cold space.

Q45.
[RSMSSB 2023] Clausius statement is related to which device?
(a) Heat engine
(b) Refrigerator
(c) Turbine
(d) Boiler
✔ Answer: (b) Refrigerator

Clausius: Heat cannot flow from cold to hot without work input — basis of refrigerator.

Q46.
[RPSC 2023] Which refrigerant is most environment-friendly among the following?
(a) R-12 (Freon)
(b) R-22
 (c) R-134a
(d) CCl■
✔ Answer: (c) R-134a

R-134a has zero ozone depleting potential (ODP) and lower GWP than CFCs.

Q47.
[Lab Assistant 2023] The Carnot COP of a refrigerator working between −23°C and 27°C is:
(a) 3
(b) 5
(c) 6
(d) 0.2
✔ Answer: (b) 5

T_L = 250 K, T_H = 300 K. COP = 250/(300−250) = 250/50 = 5

Q48.
[RSMSSB 2021] In a vapour compression cycle, the refrigerant pressure is lowest after:
(a) Compressor
(b) Condenser
(c) Expansion valve
(d) Evaporator
✔ Answer: (c) Expansion valve

The throttling/expansion valve drops the pressure suddenly.

Section E: Mixed / Application PYQs

Q49.
[RPSC 2016]A Carnot engine and a Carnot refrigerator operate between same temperatures. If efficiency of
engine is 25%, COP of refrigerator is:
(a) 3
(b) 4
(c) 25
(d) 0.33
✔ Answer: (a) 3

η = 0.25 → T_L/T_H = 0.75. COP_R = T_L/(T_H−T_L) = 0.75T_H / 0.25T_H = 3

Q50.
[Lab Assistant 2020] The zeroth law of thermodynamics defines:
(a) Entropy
(b) Enthalpy
(c) Temperature
(d) Internal energy
✔ Answer: (c) Temperature

Zeroth law: If A is in thermal equilibrium with C and B is in thermal equilibrium with C, then A and B are in thermal
equilibrium — defines temperature.

Q51.
[RSMSSB 2018] Which of the following is a state function?
(a) Heat (Q)
(b) Work (W)
(c) Entropy (S)
(d) Both a and b
✔ Answer: (c) Entropy (S)

Q and W are path functions. Entropy, Internal Energy, Enthalpy are state functions.

Q52.
[RPSC 2021] On a P-V diagram, the area enclosed by a cycle represents:
(a) Change in internal energy
(b) Net heat absorbed
(c) Net work done in the cycle
(d) Entropy change
✔ Answer: (c) Net work done in the cycle

Q53.
[Lab Assistant 2021] At absolute zero temperature, the velocity of gas molecules is:
(a) Maximum
(b) Zero
(c) Minimum but not zero
(d) Infinite
✔ Answer: (b) Zero
Kinetic energy = 0 at absolute zero → velocity = 0.

Q54.
 [RSMSSB 2022] Internal energy of an ideal gas depends on:
(a) Pressure only
(b) Volume only
(c) Temperature only
(d) Both P and V
✔ Answer: (c) Temperature only

For ideal gas, U = nC■T; depends only on T.

Q55.
[RPSC 2018]For which process is work done maximum when gas expands from same initial state to same
final volume?
(a) Isothermal
(b) Adiabatic
(c) Isochoric
(d) Isobaric
✔ Answer: (a) Isothermal

Isothermal curve lies above adiabatic on P-V diagram.

Q56.
[Lab Assistant 2018] During melting of ice, entropy:
(a) Increases
(b) Decreases
(c) Remains constant
(d) Becomes zero
✔ Answer: (a) Increases

Melting is a spontaneous endothermic process that increases disorder.

Q57.
[RSMSSB 2023] The efficiency of Carnot engine is 50% when source is at 400 K. The sink temperature is:
(a) 200 K
(b) 800 K
(c) 300 K
(d) 100 K
✔ Answer: (a) 200 K

η = 0.5 = 1 − T_L/400 → T_L = 200 K

Q58.
[RPSC 2019] An irreversible engine is less efficient than a Carnot engine because:
(a) It uses more fuel
(b) Irreversibilities cause entropy generation and energy dissipation
(c) It runs faster
(d) It uses impure fuel
✔ Answer: (b) Irreversibilities cause entropy generation and energy dissipation

Q59.
[Lab Assistant 2022] Which law of thermodynamics is the basis for temperature measurement?
(a) First law
(b) Second law
(c) Zeroth law
 (d) Third law
✔ Answer: (c) Zeroth law

Q60.
[RSMSSB 2021] The thermodynamic cycle with highest efficiency for given temperature limits is:
(a) Otto cycle
(b) Diesel cycle
(c) Carnot cycle
(d) Rankine cycle
✔ Answer: (c) Carnot cycle

Carnot cycle is most efficient for given T_H and T_L — Carnot's theorem.
 Quick Revision Card — Exam Day Checklist

✔ First Law ∆U = Q − W; Energy is conserved

✔ Isothermal T = const; ∆U = 0; Q = W

✔ Adiabatic Q = 0; ∆U = −W; PVγ = const

✔ Isochoric V = const; W = 0; Q = ∆U

✔ Isobaric P = const; Q = ∆H

✔ Second Law (K-P) No engine converts ALL heat to work

✔ Second Law (Clausius) Heat cannot flow cold→hot without work

✔ Entropy ∆S_universe ≥ 0; dS = Q_rev/T

✔ Carnot efficiency η = 1 − T_L/T_H (T in Kelvin!)

✔ Carnot COP_R T_L / (T_H − T_L)

✔ Carnot COP_HP T_H / (T_H − T_L) = COP_R + 1

✔ Mayer's relation C■ − C■ = R

✔ γ values Mono: 5/3, Di: 7/5, Tri: 4/3

✔ Otto efficiency η = 1 − 1/r^(γ−1)

✔ Q_H / Q_L (Carnot) = T_H / T_L

Best of Luck for your Rajasthan Lab Assistant Exam!

Compiled from RSMSSB / RPSC previous year papers. Always verify from official sources.