Class 11 Physics simulations · Thermodynamics

Work from a rectangular P–V cycle

Take a monatomic gas round a rectangular cycle. The enclosed area is the net work per cycle.

Open the simulation

What to notice

Net work equals the area enclosed; heat is absorbed on the high-pressure and heating legs.

Key relation

W_net = (P₂ − P₁)(V₂ − V₁) ; η = W_net / Q_in

Try this

Widen the volume range. Does the efficiency improve?

What you can change

• Low pressure P₁: 50 to 200 kPa
• High pressure P₂: 100 to 400 kPa
• Small volume V₁: 1 to 5 L
• Large volume V₂: 2 to 10 L

More in Thermodynamics

• Adiabatic compression and expansion
• Carnot heat engine
• First law of thermodynamics
• Heating gas at constant pressure
• Entropy in isothermal expansion
• Petrol engine (Otto cycle)
• Refrigerator and heat pump
• Gas under a piston

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