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A student is asked to sketch a pV diagram for a gas that goes through a cycle consisting of (a) an isobaric expansion, (b) a constant-volume reduction in temperature, and (c) an isothermal process that returns the gas to its initial state.  The student draws the diagram shown in the figure.  What, if anything, is wrong with the student's diagram?

A student is asked to sketch a pV diagram for a gas that goes through a cycle consisting of (a) an isobaric expansion, (b) a constant-volume reduction in temperature, and (c) an isothermal process that returns the gas to its initial state.  The student draws the diagram shown in the figure.  What, if anything, is wrong with the student's diagram?

College Physics
College Physics
11th Edition
ISBN:9781305952300
Author:Raymond A. Serway, Chris Vuille
Publisher:Raymond A. Serway, Chris Vuille
Chapter1: Units, Trigonometry. And Vectors
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A student is asked to sketch a pV diagram for a gas that goes through a cycle consisting of (a) an isobaric expansion, (b) a constant-volume reduction in temperature, and (c) an isothermal process that returns the gas to its initial state.  The student draws the diagram shown in the figure.  What, if anything, is wrong with the student's diagram?

### p-V Diagram Explanation This diagram represents a pressure-volume (p-V) graph, typically studied in thermodynamics. The graph includes the following elements: - **Axes:** - The vertical axis is labeled "p," representing pressure. - The horizontal axis is labeled "V," representing volume. - **Process Paths:** The triangular path highlights three distinct processes between state points, labeled as a, b, and c: - **Process a:** Illustrated with an arrow pointing to the right, indicating a process where volume increases while pressure is constant. - **Process b:** Illustrated with an arrow pointing downward, indicating a process where pressure decreases while volume is constant. - **Process c:** Illustrated with an arrow pointing diagonally, indicating a process where both pressure and volume change simultaneously. ### Interpretation: 1. **Process a (Horizontal Line):** - Indicates isobaric expansion (constant pressure, increasing volume). 2. **Process b (Vertical Line):** - Indicates isochoric (constant volume, decreasing pressure). 3. **Process c (Diagonal Line):** - Indicates a general compression where both pressure and volume are changing. ### Importance in Thermodynamics: - Such p-V diagrams are essential in understanding the work done by or on the system, as the area under these curves represents the work associated with the processes. - This specific triangular path is often representative of a cyclic process, commonly seen in heat engines and refrigerators. Understanding this diagram is crucial for comprehending the principles of energy transfer, efficiency calculations, and the fundamental laws of thermodynamics.
Transcribed Image Text:### p-V Diagram Explanation This diagram represents a pressure-volume (p-V) graph, typically studied in thermodynamics. The graph includes the following elements: - **Axes:** - The vertical axis is labeled "p," representing pressure. - The horizontal axis is labeled "V," representing volume. - **Process Paths:** The triangular path highlights three distinct processes between state points, labeled as a, b, and c: - **Process a:** Illustrated with an arrow pointing to the right, indicating a process where volume increases while pressure is constant. - **Process b:** Illustrated with an arrow pointing downward, indicating a process where pressure decreases while volume is constant. - **Process c:** Illustrated with an arrow pointing diagonally, indicating a process where both pressure and volume change simultaneously. ### Interpretation: 1. **Process a (Horizontal Line):** - Indicates isobaric expansion (constant pressure, increasing volume). 2. **Process b (Vertical Line):** - Indicates isochoric (constant volume, decreasing pressure). 3. **Process c (Diagonal Line):** - Indicates a general compression where both pressure and volume are changing. ### Importance in Thermodynamics: - Such p-V diagrams are essential in understanding the work done by or on the system, as the area under these curves represents the work associated with the processes. - This specific triangular path is often representative of a cyclic process, commonly seen in heat engines and refrigerators. Understanding this diagram is crucial for comprehending the principles of energy transfer, efficiency calculations, and the fundamental laws of thermodynamics.
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