Question

What is the net work output of a heat engine that follows path ABDA in the preceding problem with a straight line from B to D? Why is the work output less than for path ABCDA?

a) The work output is greater for path ABDA
b) The work output is the same for both paths
c) The work output is less for path ABDA due to the straight line from B to D
d) The work output depends on the specific heat of the material

Answer 1

The net work output of a heat engine following path ABDA is less than for path ABCDA because the straight line from B to D in path ABDA involves less area under the curve on a PV diagram, which represents the work done by the engine.

Step-by-step explanation:

The net work output of a heat engine following path ABDA is less than for path ABCDA because the straight line from B to D in path ABDA involves less area under the curve on a PV diagram, which represents the work done by the engine.

The net work output of a heat engine is given by the area enclosed by the closed loop on the PV diagram. When a straight line is followed from B to D, the area enclosed by the loop is smaller compared to path ABCDA, resulting in a lower work output.