Can two isothermal curves cut each other?
A. Never
B. Yes
C. They will cut when temperature is ${0^ \circ }C$
D. Yes, when the pressure is critical pressure
Answer
300.6k+ views
Hint: In an Isothermal process in a thermodynamic system, the temperature is constant and at a constant temperature, both the parameters pressure and volume vary with the different conditions of the system and surroundings hence, we will plot a $P - V$ graph for an isothermal change for two different temperatures to state the answer of this problem.
Complete step by step solution:
An isothermal process in thermodynamics is defined as the process during which the temperature $T$ of a system remains constant that’s why it is also referred to as a constant-temperature process.
In an Isothermal process, $T = \text{constant}$ and $\text{Change in Temperature} = \Delta T = 0$. Now let us draw a $P - V$ graph for an isothermal expansion of a gas at two different temperatures to have two isothermal curves as shown below: -

Clearly, from the above graph it can be observed that if the two isothermal curves intersect at point A, there will be the same values of pressure and volume i.e., ${P_A}$ and ${V_A}$ at that point. That’s why if the two curves intersect, the volume and pressure of the gas will be the same at two distinct isothermal temperatures, which is not possible. As a result, two isothermal curves can ‘Never’ intersect.
Hence, the correct option is A.
Note: In this problem, to determine whether the two isothermal curves intersect with each other or not, we need to find the conditions of other parameters of gas in a particular thermodynamic system such as pressure and volume hence, we will plot a $P - V$ graph and if the conditions of pressure and volume are justified for the given situation then the curves can intersect otherwise not.
Complete step by step solution:
An isothermal process in thermodynamics is defined as the process during which the temperature $T$ of a system remains constant that’s why it is also referred to as a constant-temperature process.
In an Isothermal process, $T = \text{constant}$ and $\text{Change in Temperature} = \Delta T = 0$. Now let us draw a $P - V$ graph for an isothermal expansion of a gas at two different temperatures to have two isothermal curves as shown below: -

Clearly, from the above graph it can be observed that if the two isothermal curves intersect at point A, there will be the same values of pressure and volume i.e., ${P_A}$ and ${V_A}$ at that point. That’s why if the two curves intersect, the volume and pressure of the gas will be the same at two distinct isothermal temperatures, which is not possible. As a result, two isothermal curves can ‘Never’ intersect.
Hence, the correct option is A.
Note: In this problem, to determine whether the two isothermal curves intersect with each other or not, we need to find the conditions of other parameters of gas in a particular thermodynamic system such as pressure and volume hence, we will plot a $P - V$ graph and if the conditions of pressure and volume are justified for the given situation then the curves can intersect otherwise not.
Recently Updated Pages
Four persons A B C and D initially at the corners of class 11 physics JEE_Main

What is the difference between Conduction and conv class 11 physics JEE_Main

Moment of inertia of solid sphere about its diameter class 11 physics JEE_Main

If a piece of ice floating on the surface of water class 11 physics JEE_Main

At what temperature speed of sound in air will be doubled class 11 physics JEE_Main

A closed organ pipe and an open organ pipe are tuned class 11 physics JEE_Main

Trending doubts
JEE Main 2026: Exam Dates, Session 2 Updates, City Slip, Admit Card & Latest News

Understanding the Electric Field of a Uniformly Charged Ring

Electron Gain Enthalpy and Electron Affinity Explained

Derivation of Equation of Trajectory Explained for Students

Understanding Atomic Structure for Beginners

Understanding Uniform Acceleration in Physics

Other Pages
CBSE Notes Class 11 Physics Chapter 1 - Units And Measurements - 2026-27 PDF Download (Login Required)

NCERT Solutions For Class 11 Physics Chapter 1 Units And Measurements - 2026-27 Free PDF Download (Login Required)

NCERT Solutions For Class 11 Physics Chapter 2 Motion In A Straight Line - 2026-27 Free PDF Download (Login Required)

Important Questions For Class 11 Physics Chapter 1 Units and Measurement - 2026-27 Free PDF Download (Sign-in Required)

CBSE Notes Class 11 Physics Chapter 2 - Motion in a Straight Line - 2026-27 PDF Download (Login Required)

NCERT Solutions For Class 11 Physics Chapter 3 Motion In A Plane - 2026-27 Free PDF Download (Sign-in Required)

