Question

The area enclosed by a thermodynamic cycle on a p-v diagram represents:

• A. Heat rejected
• B. Net work done
• C. Energy loss
• D. Efficiency

Hint:

In a p-v diagram, the area enclosed by the cycle directly correlates to the net work done. The larger the area, the greater the work done by the system.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

In thermodynamics, the area enclosed by a cycle on a p-v (pressure-volume) diagram represents the net work done by or on the system during the cycle. This area is calculated by finding the difference between the work done by the gas in expanding and the work done on the gas during compression.
- Heat rejected refers to the heat energy expelled during a cycle, but it is not represented by the area in a p-v diagram.
- Net work done is correct, as this is the physical quantity represented by the enclosed area on a p-v diagram. It corresponds to the total work done during the cycle.
- Energy loss is not directly represented by the enclosed area in a p-v diagram, although losses in energy can occur due to factors like friction or irreversibilities.
- Efficiency is the ratio of useful work output to total heat input, but it is not represented by the area on the p-v diagram.
Thus, the area enclosed by a thermodynamic cycle on a p-v diagram represents the net work done.