Question

The diagram shows the pressure and volume of an ideal gas during one cycle of an engine. (Figure 1) As the gas proceeds from state 1 to state 2, it is heated at constant pressure. It is then cooled at constant volume, until it reaches state 3. The gas is then cooled at constant pressure to state 4. Finally, the gas is heated at constant volume until it returns to state 1.

Part A

Find W12 , the work done by the gas as it expands from state 1 to state 2.

Express the work done in terms of p0 and V0 .

Part B

Find W23 , the work done by the gas as it cools from state 2 to state 3.

Express your answer in terms of p0 and V0 .

Part C

Find W34 , the work done by the gas as it is compressed from state 3 to state 4.

Express your answer in terms of p0 and V0 .

Part D

Find W41 , the work done by the gas as it is heated from state 4 to state 1.

Express your answer in terms of p0 and V0 .

Part E

What is Wnet , the total work done by the gas during one cycle?

Express your answer in terms of p0 and V0 .

Part F

When the gas is in state 1, its temperature is T1 . Find the temperature T3 of the gas when it is in state 3. (Remember, this is an ideal gas.)

Express T3 in terms of T1 .

Answer 1