A student proposes a closed cycle in which every leg is perfectly adiabatic

PHYSICS · Single correct · AP · Physics 2: Algebra-based · Thermodynamics · Thermodynamics

Problem

A student proposes a closed cycle in which every leg is perfectly adiabatic. Which statement correctly describes the net work obtained from such a cycle? (a)

W_{\text{net}}

is positive because each adiabatic expansion does work. (b)

W_{\text{net}}

depends on the direction of the cycle; it is positive for clockwise traversal and negative for anticlockwise traversal. (c)

W_{\text{net}}=0

since the net heat

Q_{\text{net}}

for an entirely adiabatic cycle is zero. (d)

W_{\text{net}}

is negative, proportional to the fall in temperature during the cycle.

Related theory

Thermodynamic Processes
First Law of Thermodynamics
Laws of Thermodynamics
The first law of thermodynamics
Thermodynamics

Browse the problem library