Question

A substance is taken through the illustrated cycle in Fig. 12-3 from (p1,v1) to (3p1,2v1) to (p1,2v1) back to (p1,v1). How much work was done? A) 5p1v1

B) p1v1
C) 3p1v1
D) 4p1v1
E) 2p1v1"

Answer 1

The work done in a thermodynamic cycle can be determined by calculating the area inside the closed loop on a PV diagram. In this case, the total work done is 3.5p1v1.

Step-by-step explanation:

According to the information provided, the work done in a thermodynamic cycle can be determined by calculating the area inside the closed loop on a PV diagram. In this particular case, the substance goes from (p1, v1) to (3p1, 2v1) to (p1, 2v1) and then back to (p1, v1).

The area inside the loop can be divided into two rectangles and a triangle. The area of the rectangle with sides equal to p1 and 2v1 is 2p1v1. The area of the rectangle with sides equal to p1 and v1 is p1v1. The area of the triangle with base p1 and height v1 is 0.5p1v1. Adding these areas together, the total work done is 3.5p1v1.

Therefore, the correct answer is E) 3.5p1v1.