Physics

Problem

A student proposes a closed cycle in which every leg is perfectly adiabatic. Which statement correctly describes the net work obtained from such a cycle? a)

W_{\text{net}}

is positive because each adiabatic expansion does work. b)

W_{\text{net}}

depends on the direction of the cycle; it is positive for clockwise traversal and negative for anticlockwise traversal. c)

W_{\text{net}}=0

since the net heat

Q_{\text{net}}

for an entirely adiabatic cycle is zero. d)

W_{\text{net}}

is negative, proportional to the fall in temperature during the cycle.

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