A Carnot cycle:
A)is bounded by two isotherms and two adiabats on a p-V graph
B)consists of two isothermal and two constant volume processes
C)is any four sided process on a p-V graph
D)only exists for an ideal gas
E)has an efficiency equal to the enclosed area on a p-V diagram

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A Carnot cycle is a specific type of thermodynamic cycle that is composed of two reversible adiabatic processes and two reversible isothermal processes on a p-V graph. It is bounded by two isotherms and two adiabats, and is not limited to ideal gases. The efficiency of a Carnot cycle is determined by the temperature difference between the two heat reservoirs and is given by the ratio of the work output to the heat input, which is always less than 1.

A Carnot Cycle