A Cyclic Process Is Carried Out on an Ideal Gas

question 37

Multiple Choice

A cyclic process is carried out on an ideal gas such that it returns to its initial state at the end of a cycle, as shown in the pV diagram in the figure. If the process is carried out in a counter-clockwise sense around the enclosed area, as shown on the figure, then the magnitude of the enclosed area represents

• A)the heat that flows out of the gas.
• B)the work done on the gas.
• C)the heat added to the gas.
• D)the work done by the gas.

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Definitions:

Variable Inputs

Resources used in production that can vary in quantity in the short run, such as labor and raw materials.

Diminishing Returns

A principle stating that as investment in a particular area increases, the rate of profit from that investment, after a certain point, cannot continue to increase if other inputs remain constant.

Fixed Inputs

Resources used in production that cannot be easily increased or decreased in the short term, such as buildings or machinery.

Variable Inputs

Resources or factors of production whose quantity can be changed in the short term to influence output.