Topic: Thermodynamics
A house refrigerator with its door open is switched on in a closed room. The air in the room is
- A. cooled
- B. remains at same temperature
- C. heated
- D. heated or cooled depending on atmospheric pressure
Answer: C. heated
Explanation: When the refrigerator door is left open, it absorbs heat (Q2) from the room's space. Simultaneously, heat (Q1) is rejected back into the room from the condenser. Since the compressor continuously does work (W) to run the cycle, the total heat rejected is Q1 = Q2 + W. Because Q1 is strictly greater than Q2 due to the compressor work, there is a net heat addition to the room, causing its temperature to rise.