Carnot cycle Definition and 103 Threads

I'm not sure I understand why the Carnot cycle involves adiabatic processes at all. I can't seem to find a reason. Also on a related note, how exactly does a Carnot heat pump (refrigerator type) work? Is the sequence the same as a Carnot heat engine?

Hi, I would appreciate any help with this: A monatomic ideal gas is used as the working substance for the Carnot cycle. Processes A => B and C => D are isothermal, while processes B => C and D => A are adiabatic. During process A => B, there are 400 J of work done by the gas on the...

I have to corellate the Carnot cycle with line integrals. This makes sense to me as line integrals can be used to find the work done by a vector field on an object traveling along a certain path. The Carnot cycle places a limit on the efficiency of an engine cycle. My question, how could I...