Carnot Cycle

Question 1

What are the four stages of the Carnot Cycle?

Answer 1

1) Isothermal compression (heat rejection)
2) Isentropic compression
3) Isothermal expansion
4) Isentropic expansion

Question 2

Using the first law of thermodynamics, how can work be determined in process 1 to 2 in the Carnot cycle?

Answer 2

Change in U=0
q=w
work=∫p.dv=∫RT/(v).dv
=RTln(v2/v1)

Question 3

Using the first law of thermodynamics, how can work be determined in process 2 to 3 in the Carnot cycle?

Answer 3

Change in u=q-w
q=0
change in u=u3-u2
=c(T3-T2)=-w23

Question 4

Using the first law of thermodynamics, how can work be determined in process 3 to 4 in the Carnot cycle?

Answer 4

Change in u= q34-w34
change in u=0
q34=w34
Repeat integral from P12
=RTln(v4/v3)

Question 5

Using the first law of thermodynamics, how can work be determined in process 4 to 1 in the Carnot cycle?

Answer 5

Change in u=q41-w41
q41=0
change in u=u4-u1
=c(T4-T1)=-w41

Question 6

What is the thermal efficiency of the Carnot Cycle and what is significant about it?

Answer 6

nth=1(TL/TH)

Carnot Cycle is the most efficient cycle.