Discussion:
PV Diagram Isobar
Q: A small container of gas undergoes a thermodynamic cycle. The gas begins at room temperature. First the gas expands isobarically until its volume doubles. Then the gas expands adiabatically. Then the gas is cooled isobarically and finally the gas is compressed adiabatically until it returns to its original state.
(a) Draw a PV diagram.
(b) Is the temperature of the gas greater right before or right after the adiabatic expansion?
(c) Is heat added to or removed from the gas in one cycle?
(d) Does this gas cycle act as a heat engine or a refrigerator?