Physics

Problem

An ideal gas is taken through a cyclic process consisting of three successive steps: A

\rightarrow

B, B

\rightarrow

C, and C

\rightarrow

A. The data for each step are given below. • A

\rightarrow

B: The gas does

600\,\text{J}

of work on the surroundings while

900\,\text{J}

of heat is supplied to it. • B

\rightarrow

C: The volume remains constant. The gas loses

500\,\text{J}

of heat to the surroundings; no work is done. • C

\rightarrow

A: The gas is compressed;

200\,\text{J}

of work is done \on the gas, and the cylinder is perfectly insulated so that no heat enters or leaves during this step. a. (a) For each step, calculate the change in internal energy

\Delta U

of the gas. b. (b) Determine the net change in internal energy over the complete cycle. c. (c) Using your answer in part (b), explain whether the overall cycle qualifies as a cyclic process according to thermodynamic definition. d. (d) From the given information, classify the step C

\rightarrow

A as isothermal, adiabatic or otherwise, giving a clear justification.

Browse the problem library