Question

An ideal gas is taken around the cycle ABCA as shown in the P - V diagram. The net work done by the gas during the cycle equal to

• A. $12P_1{V}_1$
• B. $6P_1{V}_1$
• C. $3P_1{V}_1$
• D. $P_1{V}_1$

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

$3P_1{V}_1$

No work is done in path AB. In path BC, work done is area below the line BC and in path CA, work done is negative of area below line AC.

Hence, net work done is area of the triangle ABC.

$W=\frac{1}{2}(4P_1-P_1)(3V_1-V_1)=3P_1{V}_1$