Question

A gas is taken through the cycle A B C A, as shown. What is the net work done by the gas?

A. 3000J
B. 1000J
C. Zero
D. 2000J

Answer 1

The product of pressure and volume is represented by an area on the p-v diagram. The area under this curve tells us the work done during a thermodynamic process. In this process it can be found out by calculating the area of the curve this is a simple and quick method.
The curve showing the variation of volume of a substance along the x-axis and the variation of the pressure along the y-axis is the P-V diagram.
In this question first, find the total change in volume along the x-axis and change in pressure along the y-axis and then find the work done under the curve.

Complete step by step solution:
Given that the gas is going through the curve ABCA

Where the change in volume takes place from $2 \times {10^{ - 3}}{m^3}$to $7 \times {10^{ - 3}}{m^3}$along positive x-axis and pressure changes from $2 \times {10^5}Pa$ to $6 \times {10^5}Pa$ along the y-direction.
Hence,
$\vartriangle V = 5 \times {10^{ - 3}}{m^3}$
$\vartriangle P = 4 \times {10^5}Pa$
So the area under the curve for the total work done will be equal to
Net work is done = area under the curve A B C

$$W = \dfrac{1}{2} \times 5 \times {10^{ - 3}} \times 4 \times {10^5} \\\ = \dfrac{1}{2} \times 5 \times 4 \times {10^2} \\\ = 10 \times {10^2} \\\ = 1000J \\\$$

Hence the total work is done by the gas under the curve =1000J
Option (B) is correct.

Note: Students should be careful in some cases where in some cases specific volume is plotted along the x-axis instead of volume; in such cases area under the curve represents work per unit mass of the working fluid given as J/Kg.