Carnot's Cycle Diagram: Exploring Its Components

In summary, a Carnot cycle diagram for an ideal gas resembles a square and represents a system going through a cycle of changes. The diagram can be analyzed to determine which side represents isothermal expansion/compression, work done by or on the gas, adiabatic expansion/compression, and heat added/exhausted. Further understanding can be gained by studying real-life examples or the primary concept of drawing a cycle of changes for a gas in a cylinder. By studying the diagram, one can also determine which side shows work done by the gas or on the gas, based on the type of process and heat transfer involved.
  • #1
Faiq
348
16
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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  • #2
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
 
  • #3
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.
 
  • #4
  • #5
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.
 

1. What is the Carnot's Cycle Diagram?

The Carnot's Cycle Diagram is a graphical representation of the Carnot Cycle, which is a theoretical thermodynamic cycle that describes the most efficient way to convert heat into work. It consists of four reversible processes: isothermal expansion, adiabatic expansion, isothermal compression, and adiabatic compression.

2. What are the components of the Carnot's Cycle Diagram?

The components of the Carnot's Cycle Diagram include a heat source, a heat sink, a working fluid, and four reversible processes. The heat source is where the working fluid absorbs heat, and the heat sink is where it releases heat. The working fluid can be any substance that can change states between a gas and a liquid, such as water or steam.

3. How does the Carnot's Cycle Diagram work?

The Carnot's Cycle Diagram works by utilizing the principles of thermodynamics to convert heat into work. In the isothermal expansion process, the working fluid absorbs heat from the heat source and expands, doing work on the surroundings. Then, in the adiabatic expansion process, the working fluid continues to expand without gaining or losing heat. In the isothermal compression process, the working fluid releases heat to the heat sink and contracts, doing work on the surroundings. Finally, in the adiabatic compression process, the working fluid continues to contract without gaining or losing heat. This cycle can be repeated to continuously convert heat into work.

4. What is the significance of the Carnot's Cycle Diagram?

The Carnot's Cycle Diagram is significant because it represents the most efficient thermodynamic cycle possible. It sets the upper limit for the efficiency of heat engines, meaning that no real heat engine can be more efficient than the Carnot Cycle. It also helps scientists and engineers better understand the principles of thermodynamics and how to improve the efficiency of real-world heat engines.

5. What are the limitations of the Carnot's Cycle Diagram?

The Carnot's Cycle Diagram is a theoretical model and does not take into account the practical limitations of real-world heat engines, such as friction and inefficiencies. It also assumes that the processes are reversible, which is not always the case in real systems. Additionally, the Carnot Cycle only applies to ideal gases, so it may not accurately represent the behavior of other substances. However, despite these limitations, the Carnot's Cycle Diagram remains a valuable tool for understanding thermodynamics and improving the efficiency of heat engines.

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