THE PRACTICE STUDIO
Go slowly. Ask why. Make it yours.
PRACTICE / Cyclic processes
An engine efficiency needs the positive heat legs
A monatomic ideal gas follows the reversible cycle A(1 L,100 kPa) → B(1 L,300 kPa) → C(3 L,100 kPa) → A. BC is straight on the p–V plane; CA is at constant pressure.
What is Wnet divided by total positive heat input?
Organize the givens & assumptions
- AB: fixed volume
- BC: straight segment
- CA: 100 kPa
Closed fixed amount of ideal gas, constant stated heat capacities, negligible bulk kinetic and gravitational energy changes, and only pressure–volume work. Heat into the gas and work by the gas are positive.
- A
- B
- C
- D
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