THERMODYNAMICS

Thermodynamics is a branch of Physics that deals with the inter conversion of heat and other form of
energy. When we rub our hand we perform a mechanical work that converts into heat and we feel hot.
If W amount of work is done to produce H amount of heat then W = JH where J is known as mechanical
equivalent of heat.
In SI unit J = 1 as W & H is in joule
In C.G.S. unit J = 4.2×107 erg cal -1 or, J = 4.2 Jcal -1.

Zeroth law of thermodynamics: It states that if two systems A and B which are separately
in thermal equilibrium with a third system C, then system A and B are also in equilibrium
with each other.

Internal energy: The gas molecules in a container having kinetic energy due to motion. When these molecules
move away from each other there is a change in potential energy. The sum of kinetic and potential energy of the
molecules are known as internal energy.
Internal energy of a system changes only if the state of the system changes.

1st law of thermodynamics: It states that the energy entering the system in the form of heat is equal to the sum
of the increase in the internal energy of the system and the energy leaving the system in the form of work done
by the system to its surroundings.
If dQ is the small amount of heat added to the system and dW be the small amount of work done by the system
and dU is the small change in the internal energy of the system, then dQ = dU + dW
Or, dQ = dU + PdV [The work done of the gas by pressure P on the piston of area A to
displace it by dx is dw = PAdx = PdV]
(i) In isothermal process dT is zero. So dU = 0dQ = PdV
(ii)In adiabatic process, there is no exchange of heat. So, dQ = 0 dU = -PdV
(iii)In isochoric process, the volume of the gas is constant. So, dV = 0 dQ = dU
(v)In cyclic process, the initial and final states of a system are the same. Since the internal energy of a system
depends on its initial and final state, so during cyclic process. So, dU = 0 dQ = dW.

Example: 1 gram of water changes from liquid to vapour phase at constant pressure of 1 atmosphere.
The volume increases from 1 cm3 to 1651 cm3. The heat of vaporization for this process is 540 calg-1.
Calculate (i) the work done required to change the phase
(ii) increase in internal energy of water. [1 atmosphere pressure = 1.01× 105 Nm−2]
(i) As the process is isobaric, the work done is W = P[Vf – Vi] = 1.01× 105 [1651 − 1]× 10−6 = 166.65 J.
(ii) According to first law of thermodynamics, dQ = dU + dW
dQ = mL = 1 × 540 = 540 cal = 540 × 4.2 = 2268 J [1 cal = 4.2 J]
Increase in internal energy of water is dU = dQ – dW = 2268 – 166.65 = 2101.35 J.

Molar specific heat: The temperature of gas can be changed by the change of heat at constant volume or
at constant pressure. Therefore there are two specific heat of gas.
Specific heat at constant volume (Cv): The amount of heat required to raise the temperature of 1 mole of a gas
through 10 C at constant volume is called specific heat of gas at constant volume.
dQ
So, Cv = dT|v
 1
We know that, the energy of a gas molecule per degrees of freedom is kT.
2
f
If the degrees of freedom of the gas is f, then the energy of a molecule is kT.
2
f f
For one mole of gas the energy is kTN = RT [N is the Avogadro’s number]
2 2
f
For n mole of gas the energy is nRT
2
2 f 1
If γ is the ratio of two heat capacities of gas then, γ = f
+ 1 or, 2 = γ−1
nRT
The total energy of n mole of gas is γ−1
.
dQ R
Molar heat capacity of gas at constant volume is Cv = ndT = γ−1.

Specific heat at constant pressure (Cp): The amount of heat required to raise the temperature of 1 mole of a gas
through 10 C at constant pressure is called specific heat of constant pressure.
dQ
So, Cp = |P
dT

Example: 1. Find the molar heat capacity of an ideal gas undergoing a thermodynamics process in
which pressure and volume given by relation P = αV, where α is a constant. Find the change in internal
energy if the gas expands n times its initial volume (= V).
According to first law of thermodynamics dQ = dU + dW ------ (i)
If C is the molar heat capacity of the gas then dQ = μCdT
Where μ is the number of mole and dT is the rise in temperature.
R
For ideal gas with γ as the ratio of molar heat capacity, CV = γ−1 and internal energy dU = μCV dT
R
= μ(γ−1)dT
R R
Then from equation (i) we get, μCdT = μ(γ−1)dT + PdV = μ(γ−1)dT + αVdV
R αVdV
Or, C = γ−1 + μdT
----- (ii)
From ideal gas equation we get, PV = μRT or, αV 2 = μRT ---------- (iii)
αVdV R
Differentiating equation (iii) with respect to T we get, 2αVdV = μRdT or, μdT = 2
----- (iv)
R R R γ+1
From equation (ii) and (iv) we get, C = γ−1 + 2
= (
2 γ−1
).
The change in internal energy, ∆U = μCV (Tf − Ti )
Rμ(Tf − Ti )
= γ−1
(Pf Vf − Pi Vi )
= γ−1
(βVf Vf − βVi Vi )
=
γ−1
β(V2f − V2i )
=
γ−1
βV2i (n2 − 1)
=
γ−1
βV2 (n2 − 1)
= .
γ−1

2. An ideal gas with adiabatic exponent γ is heated at constant pressure. It absorbs Q amount of heat.
Determine the fraction of heat absorbed in raising the internal energy and fraction of heat absorbed in
performing the work.
At constant pressure heat observed by the gas is Q = nCP∆T
The internal energy changes is ∆U = nCV∆T
∆U nCV ∆T CV 1
The Fraction of heat absorbed in raising the internal energy is = = = .
Q nCP ∆T CP γ
From the first law of thermodynamics we know Q = ∆U + W or, W = Q - ∆U
W Q− ∆U 1
Therefore the fraction of heat absorbed in performing the work is Q = =1- .Q γ

Prove Cp - Cv = R: Let us consider  mole of an ideal gas at pressure P and temperature T.

From 1st law of thermodynamics dQ = dU + PdV ----------(1)
Let dQ is the heat is given to the gas at constant volume and dT be the rise in temperature of the gas.
As dV = 0 then dW = PdV = 0 so, dQ = dU.
dQ = CvdT----------(2) [Cvis the molar specific heat of the gas at constant volume]
dU = CvdT-----------(3)
Now the gas is heated at constant pressure P. If the change in volume of the gas is dV and the rise in temperature
is dT then, dW = PdV and dQ = CpdT -------------(4)
From equation (1), (3) and (4) CpdT = CvdT + PdV -------------(5)
For an ideal gas PV = RT
Differentiating both side of the equation, we get, PdV + dPV = RdT
As dP = 0 then PdV = RdT---------(6)
From equation (5) & (6), CpdT = CvdT + RdT
Or, Cp = Cv + R
Cp - Cv = R.

Adiabatic equation of an ideal gas: Consider 1 mole of an ideal gas is in a container is thermally insulated from
the surroundings. Let it expands adiabatically and the volume change is dV. Therefore the work done dW = PdV
where P is pressure of the gas.
As the work is done due to the change in internal energy, so the change in temperature dT.
dU = CvdT -----------(1) [Where Cv is the molar specific heat at constant volume]
From 1st law of thermodynamics, dQ = dU + PdV ----------(2)
Or, 0 = CvdT + PdV ----------(3) [for adiabatic process dQ = 0]
For an ideal gas, PV = RT
Differentiating both side of the equation, we get, PdV + dPV = RdT
PdV + dPV
dT = -----------(4)
R
PdV + dPV
From equation (3) and (4) we get, 0 = Cv[ R
] + PdV
Or, CvPdV + CvdP.V + RPdV = 0
Or, (Cv+R)PdV + CvdP.V = 0
Or, CP.PdV + CvdP.V = 0 [as CP-Cv=R]
C PdV dP.V
Or, (CP ).( PV ) + PV = 0
V
dV dP C
Or, γ( V ) + P
= 0 [as γ = CP ]
V
Integrating both sides of the equation, we get,
dP dV
∫ P + γ∫ V = 0
Or, logP + γlogV = constant
Or, logPVγ = Const.
PVγ = Const.
Work done in isothermal process: Let us consider 1 mole of an ideal gas is in a cylinder which
is fitted with frictionless and massless piston of area A. Let the volume of a gas is V and
pressure is P.
If the piston is displaced by dx then work done by the gas is dW = Fdx = PAdx = PdV
If the initial and final volume of the gas are V1 and V2 respectively then the work done
W V
W =∫0 dw =∫V 2 PdV
1
RT
From ideal gas equation PV = RT or, P =
V
V RT V V
W = ∫V 2 dV = RT[logeV]V21 = RTloge 2 .
1 V V1

Work done in an adiabatic process: Let us consider 1mole of an ideal gas is kept in a cylinder which is fitted with
frictionless and massless piston of area A. The pressure and volume at any instant is P and V and the piston is
displaced by dx.
Work done by the gas is dW = Fdx = PA.dx = PdV --------------(1)
The gas expands from initial volume V1 to final volume V2
W V
 W = ∫0 dw =∫V 2 PdV----------------(2)
1
The adiabatic gas equation is PVγ = K (Constant)
K
Or, P = Vγ ------------------(3)
V K
From equation (2) and (3) we get, W = ∫V 2 Vγ dV
1
K V
Or, W = 1−γ[V1−γ ]V21
K 1−γ 1−γ
Or, W = 1−γ[V2 - V1 ] ----------------(4)
From ideal gas equation in adiabatic process P1V1γ = P2V2γ = K-------(5)
1 γ 1−γ γ 1−γ
From equation (4) & (5) W = 1−γ[P2V2 V2 – P1V1 V1 ]
1
Or, W = 1−γ(P2V2 - P1V1)
1
Or, W = γ−1(P1V1 - P2V2)--------------(6)
Let the temperature falls to T2 from T1 during the expansion of gas.
P1V1= RT1 and P2V2= RT2
1 R
W = γ−1(RT1 - RT2) = γ−1(T1 - T2).

Example: 1. An ideal gas is expanded from initial volume V0 to 3V0 under the quasi-
static process for which P = αV 2 where α is constant. Calculate the work done on
the expansion of gas.
As the system expands against the external work done, so the work done on the
expansion of gas is negative.
3v0 3v0 αV3 3v0 26αV30
Therefore, W = - ∫V PdV = - ∫V αV 2 dV = - [ ] =- .
0 0 3 V0 3

2. In the given figure an ideal gas changes its state from A to state C by two
paths ABC and AC.
(i) In which path the work done is the least?
(ii) The internal energy of gas at A is 15 J and amount of heat supplied to change its state from A to C
through the path AC is 250 J. Calculate the internal energy at C.
(iii) The internal energy of the gas at B is 30 J. Find the amount of heat supplied to the gas to go from A
to B?
(i) The work done for the path ABC is W ABC = W AB + W BC
= 0 + Area under the graph BC [W AB = PdV = 0 as dV = 0]
= 12× (9 − 3) = 72 J
The work done for the path AC is W AC = Area under the graph AC
1
= [4 + 12][9 − 3] = 48 J.
2
So, work done along the path AC is the least.
(ii) According to first law of thermodynamics for the path AC, dQ = dU + dW
250 = (UC - UA) + 48
∴ UC = 250 – 48 + 15 = 217 J.
(iii) According to first law of thermodynamics for the path AB, dQ = dU + dW
Or, dQ = (UB - UA) + 0 [W AB = PdV = 0 as dV = 0]
∴ dQ = 30 – 15 = 15 J.

3. Two moles of an ideal gas at 200 K is isothermally expanded to four times its
initial volume and heated at constant volume, so that its pressure is raised to its
initial value before expansion. In the whole process 28.32 kJ of heat is required.
Calculate the molar specific heat of the gas at constant pressure.
[R = 8.31 Jmol-1K-1]
The work done in isothermal process for the path AB is
4V
dW = nRTlog e V = nRTlog e 4
dW = 2× 8.31 × 200 × 1.39 = 4.62 kJ.
The change in internal energy in isothermal process is dU = 0
So, heat required for the path AB is dQAB = dW = 4.62 kJ.
For the path BC the work done is dW BC = 0 [isochoric process]
So, heat required for the path BC is dQBC = nCVdT = 2CVdT.
PV P4V
Applying ideal gas equation between points A and C we get, = T Or, TC = 800 K
200 C
Therefore, dT = 800 – 200 = 600 K
So, dQBC = 2CV600 = 1200CV = 1.2CV kJ.
According to the problem, dQAB + dQBC = 28.32
Or, 4.62 + 1.2CV = 28.32
28.32−4.62
∴ CV = = 19.75 Jmol-1K-1.
1.2

4. One mole of monatomic gas undergoes a cyclic process ABCD as

shown in figure. If the gas is ideal, then calculate the following quantities
in this process (i) the net work done (ii) the net change in internal energy
(iii) the net change in heat energy. [R = 8.31 Jmol-1K-1]
(i) The work done for constant pressure is
W = P[Vf – Vi] = nR[Tf – Ti] [As PVi = nRTi and PVf = nRTf.]
V P
The work done for constant temperature is W = nRTlog e Vf = nRTlog e Pi .
i f
[For isothermal process PiVi = PfVf]
Work done for the path AB is W AB = nR[300 – 200] = 100R
2
Work done for the path BC is W BC = nR300log e 1 = 300Rlog e 2
Work done for the path CD is W CD = nR[200 – 300] = - 100R
 1
Work done for the path DA is W DA = nR200log e = - 200Rlog e 2
2
The net work done in the complete cycle is W = W AB + WBC + W CD + WDA
= 300Rlog e 2 - 200Rlog e 2 = 100Rlog e 2 = 100× 8.31 × log e 2 = 576 J.
(ii) The net change in internal energy dU = 0 as the gas undergoes a cyclic process.
(iii) The net change in heat energy is dQ = dU + dW = 0 + 576 = 576 J.

5. One mole of an ideal monoatomic gas is taken around a cyclic process ABCA
as shown in figure. Calculate
(i) The work done by the gas
(ii) The heat rejected by the gas in the path BC and the heat absorbed by the
gas in the path CA.
(iii) The net heat absorbed by the gas in the path AB
(iv) The maximum temperature attained by the gas during the cycle.

(i) The work done for cyclic process [in P-V graph] is area enclosed by the cycle.
1 1
W = AC × CB = × (3P − P)(2V − V) = PV.
2 2
(ii) The heat rejected by the gas in the path BC is dQBC = nCPdT = nCP(TC – TB) [as the gas undergoes
isobaric process through BC]
5R PV
For monatomic gas CP = 2 and from ideal gas equation T = nR
5R PV P2V 5PV
So, dQBC = n 2 (nR – nR ) = - 2
The heat absorbed by the gas in the path CA is dQCA = nCVdT = nCV(TA – TC) [as the gas undergoes
isochoric process through CA]
3R PV
For monatomic gas CV = 2 and from ideal gas equation T =
nR
3R 3PV PV
So, dQCA = n ( – ) = 3PV
2 nR nR
(iii) The net heat absorbed by the gas in the path AB is dQ AB.
The net change in internal energy dU = 0 as the gas undergoes a cyclic process.
According to 1st law of thermodynamics, the net change in heat energy is dQ = dU + dW
Or, dQ = dW
Or, dQBC + dQCA + dQAB = W
5PV
Or, - + 3PV + dQAB = PV
2
PV
∴ dQAB = 2 .
(iv) To calculate the maximum temperature attained by the gas during the
cycle, we need the relation between temperature and pressure or
temperature and volume. For the path AB, pressure (p) and volume (v) are
variable quantities.
We can write the equation of straight line as p = mv + c
3P−P 2P
where m = - tan θ = − 2V−V = - V .
The intercept on Y axis is point D with coordinate (0, y).
As ∆ABC and ∆DEB are similar
y−P 3P−P
So, 2V−0 = 2V−V or, y = 5P.
2P
Therefore, p = - V
v + 5P
RT
From ideal gas equation, pv = nRT or, p = v
[here, n = 1]
RT 2P
Or, v
=- V
v + 5P
 P 2
Or, T = R [− v 2 + 5v] ------- (i)
V
dT
T will be maximum when =0
dv
4v 5V
Differentiating equation (i) with respect to v we get, - + 5 = 0 or, v = .
V 4
P 2 5V 2 5V 25PV
Therefore, Tmax = [− ( ) + 5( )] = .
R V 4 4 8R

6. An ideal monatomic gas is kept in a cylinder by a spring loaded piston of

cross sectional area A. Initially the temperature and the volume of the gas are T
and V respectively and the spring is in its relaxed position. The gas is heated by
a small electric heater until the piston moves out slowly by a distance b. The
force constant of the spring is K and atmospheric pressure is P. Calculate (i) the final temperature of the
gas (ii) The heat supplied by the heater
Kb
When the piston is moved by b the force acting on it is Kb and final pressure in the gas is Pf = P + .
A
Final volume of the gas is Vf = V + Ab
PV PV
So, from the gas equation PV = nRT we get, i i = Tf f Ti f
Kb
PV (P + )(V + Ab)
A
Or, T
=
Tf
Kb
(P + )(V + Ab)T
A
Or, Tf = PV
b Kx Kb2
The work done on the piston by the gas is ∆W = ∫ Pf dV = ∫0 (P + A
) Adx = PAb + 2
.
μR∆T
Change in internal energy of the gas due to supply of heat is ∆U = μCV ∆T = (γ−1)
(Pf Vf −Pi Vi )
= (γ−1)
Kb
(P + )(V + Ab)−PV
A
= (γ−1)
KVb
PAb + +Kb2
A
= (γ−1)
.
KVb
PAb + +Kb2 Kb2
The heat supplied by the heater is ∆Q = ∆U + ∆W = A
(γ−1)
+ PAb + 2
.

7. An ideal monatomic gas of μ mole is compressed to half of the volume. How much work is done in the
process of compression in (i) isothermal (ii) adiabatic process? [The initial temperature of the gas is T]
V 1
For isothermal process, the work done is W = μRT log e (Vf ) = μRT log e (2) = - 0.693μRT.
i
T
μR(Ti −Tf ) μRTi (1 − f )
Ti
For adiabatic process, the work done is W = =
(γ−1) (γ−1)
γ−1 Tf V 5
TV = constant so, T = (Vi )γ−1 =2 2/3
[as γ = for monoatomic gas]
i f 3
2
μRTi (1 − 23 )
Therefore, W = 5 = - 0.88μRT [here Ti = T]
( −1)
3

8. One mole of an ideal monatomic gas undergoes through a cycle ABCA as

shown in the P-T graph. During the process CA, pressure and temperature of the
gas vary such that PT = constant. If T = 300 K, calculate
(i) The work done on the gas in this process CA.
(ii) The heat absorbed or released by the gas in each of the processes.
(i) During the process CA, PT = constant
PdT
Therefore, PdT + dPT = 0 or, dP = -
T
The ideal gas equation is PV = RT [for 1 mole of gas.]
On differentiation we get, PdV + dPV = RdT
PVdT
Or, PdV = RdT – dPV = RdT + = 2RdT
T
T
The work done on the gas in this process CA is W = ∫2T 2RdT = - 2RT.
(ii) The heat absorbed or released by the gas in the process CA is ∆QCA = ∆U + ∆W = CV∆T – 2RT
3 7
So, ∆QCA = R(T − 2T) – 2RT = - RT. [-ve sign indicates the heat is released by the gas]
2 2
The heat absorbed or released by the gas in the process AB is
∆QAB = ∆U + ∆W = CV∆T + 2P(VB – VA)
3 RT 3 5
= R(2T − T) + 2P( ) = RT + RT = RT. [+ve sign indicates the heat is absorbed by the gas]
2 2P 2 2
R2T RT RT RT RT RT
[As VB =
2P
= and VA = therefore, VB – VA = - = ]
P 2P P 2P 2P
V
The heat absorbed or released by the gas in the process BC is ∆QAB = ∆U + ∆W = CV∆T + R2Tlog e VC [BC is
B
isothermal process]
P V P 2P
So, ∆QAB = 0 + R2Tlog e PB [as PBVB = PCVC so, VC = PB = P
= 2]
C B C

So, ∆QAB = R2Tlog e 2 = 1.386RT.

9. An ideal gas undergoes in a cyclic process ABCDECA as shown in figure. If

PA = P, PC = 4P and PD = 5P and VA = V and VB = 3V then find the work done by
the gas is a complete process.
The complete cyclic process can be considered as made up of two cycles, one
clockwise cycle ABCA and anticlockwise cycle CDEC.
The work done by the gas during the cycle ABCA is W 1 = area of the loop ABCA
1
in P-V graph = ×base×altitude
2
1 1
= 2 (VB − VA )(PC − PA ) = 2 (3V − V)(4P − P) = 3PV.
The work done by the gas during the cycle CDEC is negative. So, W 2 = area of the loop CDEC in P-V
graph
As ∆ABC and ∆CDE are similar then the corresponding angles are equal.
Therefore, ∠CBA = ∠CDE and ∠CAB = ∠CED.
P −P P −P 4P−P 5P −4P 2V
So, VC −VA = VD−VC Or, 3V−V = V −V So, (VE − VD ) = 3 .
B A E D E D
1 1 1 2V PV
Therefore, W 2 = - 2 ×base×altitude = - 2 (VE − VD )(PD − PC ) = − 2 × 3
(5P − 4P) = -
3
.
PV 8PV
The work done by the gas is a complete process, W = W 1 + W 2 = 3PV - 3
= 3
.

P-V graph for isothermal and adiabatic process: For isothermal process PV = constant
[where P is the pressure and V is the volume of the gas].
Differentiating both side of the equation, we get, PdV + dP.V = 0
dP P
Or, dV = - .
V
For adiabatic process PVγ = constant [where P is the pressure and V is the volume of the
gas].
Differentiating both side of the equation, we get, Pγ.Vγ-1dV + dP.Vγ = 0
dP γVγ−1 P P P
Or, =- = -γ( ) = γ(- ) = γ × Slope of isothermal curve.
dV Vγ V V

Refrigerator or heat pump: The process of removing of heat from bodies colder than their surroundings is called
refrigerator.
Let Q2 amount of heat is transferred to the hot body (at T1 temperature) from the cold body
(at T2 temperature) with the help of mechanical work W (external). Let Q1 be the heat
rejected to the hot body.
According to conversation of energy Q1 = Q2 + W or, W = Q1 - Q2
desired output
Coefficient of performance E = required input
heat extracted from the cold body
Or, E = work done on the refrigerator
Q2
Or, E =
W
Q2 T2
Or, E = Q =T .
1 −Q2 1 −T2

Example: A refrigerator whose coefficient of performance 6, extracts heat from the cooling
compartment at a rate of 240 J/cycle. How much work per cycle is required to operate the refrigerator
cycle?
How much heat per cycle is discharged to the room which acts as the high temperature reservoir?
Heat extracts from the cooling compartment per cycle is Q1 = 240 J.
Q 240
So, coefficient of performance e = W1 or, W = = 40 J.
6
Heat per cycle is discharged to the room is Q2 = Q1 + W = 240 + 40 = 280 J.

Second law of thermodynamics:

Kelvin statement: It is impossible for an engine operating in a cyclic process to extract heat from a
reservoir and convert it completely into work.
Claussius statement: It is impossible for a self-acting machine unaided by another external agency to transfer
heat from one body at lower temperature to another body at higher temperature.

Carnot’s engine: Let us consider an ideal gas is contained in a cylinder

whose wall is adiabatic and the base is diathermic.
It is fitted with insulated massless, frictionless piston.
1st step: The cylinder is placed on the heat source which is at high
temperature T1. Initially the gas having pressure P1 and volume V1 and
the piston is allowed to move upward until the pressure is P 2 and
volume V2. During this process temperature decreases and source
supplies Q1 amount of heat to remain the temperature at T1. So the
process is isothermal.
V
The amount of work done W1 = Q1 = RT1loge 2 --------------(i)
V1
[From graph it is represented by the area ABB∕A∕]
2nd step: Now the cylinder is placed on insulator and the piston is
allowed to move upward. The pressure and volume of the gas changes from P 2, V2 to P3, V3 respectively. In this
process there is no exchange of heat. So temperature changes from T 1 to T2. So the process is adiabatic. The work
R
done is W2 = γ−1 (T1-T2) -----------(ii)
[From graph it is represented by the area BCC∕B∕]
3rd step: Now the cylinder is placed on the heat sink and the piston is moved downward. The pressure and
volume of the gas changes from P3, V3 to P4, V4. The force is acting on the system and the work done is negative.
Here Q2 amount of heat is rejected to the sink and the temperature remains T2. So the process is isothermal.
V
The work done is Q2 = - W3 = RT2log e 3 ---------(iii)
V 4
[From graph it is represented by the area DCC∕D∕]
4th step: Now the cylinder is placed on the insulator and the piston is moved downward. The pressure and volume
of the gas changes from P4, V4 to P1, V1. As there is no heat exchange so temperature increases from T2 to T1. The
R
process is adiabatic. The work done is negative.W4 = - γ−1(T2-T1) --------------(iv)
[From graph it is represented by the area ADD∕A∕]
The total work done during the complete cycle W = W1 + W2 + (-W3) + (-W4)
Since W2 = W4
W = W1 -W3 = Q1 - Q2 ------------(v)
It is represented by area ABCD.
work done
Efficiency of the Carnot’s engine η = heat absorbed from source
V V
W (W1 − W2 ) Q1 −Q2 Q2 RT2 loge 3 T2 loge 3
V4 V4
Or, η = Q
= = =1-Q =1- V2 =1-[ V2 ] -----------(vi)
W1 Q1 1 RT1 loge T1 loge
V1 V1
T V
Since points B and C lie on the same adiabatic curve, T1V2γ-1 = T2V3γ-1 or, T1 = [V3 ]γ−1 ----------(vii)
2 2
T V
Also points D and A lie on the same adiabatic curve, T1V1γ-1 = T2V4γ-1 or, T1 = [ 4 ]γ−1 ------------(viii)
V 2 1
V V V V V2 V
From equations (vii) & (viii) we get, [V3 ]γ−1 = [V4 ]γ−1or, V3 = V4 or, log e V = log e V3 ------------(ix)
2 1 2 1 1 4
T
From equations (vi) & (ix) η = 1 - T2 ------------(x)
1

Example: An automobile engine absorbs 1500 J from a hot reservoir and rejects 900 J to a cold
reservoir in each cycle. What maximum work is done in each cycle? What is the efficiency of the
engine? What is the power output of the engine if it operated at 100 cycles per minute?
Here Q1 = 1500 J and Q2 = 900 J
Work W = Q1 – Q2 = 1500 – 900 = 600 J.
W 600
Efficiency of the engine is η = = 1500 = 0.4 = 40%.
Q1
W 600
Time taken for 1 cycle is t = 0.6 s. The power output of the engine is P = t
= 0.6
= 1000 W.