Which Side of the Carnot Cycle Diagram Represents Key Processes?

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SUMMARY

The Carnot cycle diagram for an ideal gas is represented as a square, with each side corresponding to specific thermodynamic processes. The left side indicates isothermal expansion, while the right side represents isothermal compression. The top side of the diagram shows the heat added from the hot reservoir, and the bottom side illustrates the work done by the gas. Understanding these relationships is crucial for analyzing the efficiency of thermodynamic cycles.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of thermodynamic processes, specifically isothermal and adiabatic changes.
  • Familiarity with the Carnot cycle and its significance in thermodynamics.
  • Basic knowledge of heat transfer principles and work done in thermodynamic systems.
  • Ability to interpret graphical representations of thermodynamic cycles.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the detailed workings of the Carnot cycle using the Wikipedia page on Carnot cycle.
  • Learn about the mathematical derivation of efficiency in the Carnot cycle.
  • Explore real-world applications of the Carnot cycle in heat engines.
  • Investigate the differences between isothermal and adiabatic processes in greater depth.
USEFUL FOR

Students of thermodynamics, mechanical engineers, and anyone interested in understanding the principles of heat engines and efficiency in thermodynamic cycles.

Faiq
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Consider a Carnot's cycle diagram for an ideal gas. It will resemble a square.
How do we know which side represents isothermal expansion/compression, which side shows work done by the gas or on the gas, adiabatic expansion/compression and which side represents the heat was added/exhausted?
 
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Faiq said:
Consider a Carnot's cycle diagram for an ideal gas. It will resemble a square.
How do we know which side represents isothermal expansion/compression, which side shows work done by the gas or on the gas, adiabatic expansion/compression and which side represents the heat was added/exhausted?

Take a look here https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carnot_cycle
 
Faiq said:
Consider a Carnot's cycle diagram for an ideal gas. It will resemble a square.
How do we know which side represents isothermal expansion/compression, which side shows work done by the gas or on the gas, adiabatic expansion/compression and which side represents the heat was added/exhausted?

the diagram must have been drawn on a plane having axes X,Y and they must be representing some physical variables and the nature of changes in those set of variables , representing the changes in the state of the system actually gives you the identity/characteristic of those changes.
so a carnot cycle represents a 'system going through a cycle of changes' analyse further taking a real example ...an engine ...of use in daily life.or go to primary concept of drawing a cycle of changes on a say gas in a cylinder with a piston blocking its escape.
 
Faiq said:
Thanks for the reference. Btw how can I learn about which side shows work done by the gas or on the gas?

If you study the Carnot cycle diagram, you'll see which side of the diagram of the "Carnot engine" represents heat taken in from hot reservoir and which represents work done by the gas, among the other things. Now, work can be understood by the kind of process you have on each side and the heat taken or given by the engine.
 

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