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Carnot Cycle Work Done Derivation

The Carnot Cycle is a theoretical thermodynamic cycle that illustrates the maximum efficiency of a heat engine operating between two thermal reservoirs through four reversible processes: two isothermal and two adiabatic. The net work done in the cycle is calculated as the sum of work done in each step, resulting in W_net = Q_H - Q_C, and the efficiency is defined by η = 1 - (T_C / T_H). This cycle serves as a benchmark for the performance of real heat engines.

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12 views2 pages

Carnot Cycle Work Done Derivation

The Carnot Cycle is a theoretical thermodynamic cycle that illustrates the maximum efficiency of a heat engine operating between two thermal reservoirs through four reversible processes: two isothermal and two adiabatic. The net work done in the cycle is calculated as the sum of work done in each step, resulting in W_net = Q_H - Q_C, and the efficiency is defined by η = 1 - (T_C / T_H). This cycle serves as a benchmark for the performance of real heat engines.

Uploaded by

Arman Kumar
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Carnot Cycle: Derivation of Work Done

Introduction
The Carnot Cycle is a theoretical thermodynamic cycle that defines the maximum efficiency
a heat engine can achieve while operating between two thermal reservoirs. It consists of
four reversible processes: two isothermal and two adiabatic.

Step-by-Step Derivation of Work Done

1. Isothermal Expansion (A → B)
In this step, the gas expands isothermally at the higher temperature T_H. The heat Q_H is
absorbed from the hot reservoir. Since the temperature remains constant, the internal
energy change ΔU = 0. The work done by the gas is:

W_AB = nRT_H ln(V_2 / V_1)

This work is positive as V_2 > V_1.

2. Adiabatic Expansion (B → C)
During adiabatic expansion, no heat is exchanged (Q = 0). The gas expands, and its
temperature drops from T_H to T_C. Using the first law of thermodynamics: ΔU = W (since Q
= 0). The work done is given by:

W_BC = (nR / (γ - 1)) * (T_H - T_C)

This work is positive as T_H > T_C.

3. Isothermal Compression (C → D)
In this process, the gas is compressed isothermally at the lower temperature T_C. Heat Q_C
is rejected to the cold reservoir. The work done on the gas is:

W_CD = nRT_C ln(V_4 / V_3)

This work is negative as V_4 < V_3.

4. Adiabatic Compression (D → A)
No heat exchange occurs during this step. The gas is compressed adiabatically, raising its
temperature from T_C to T_H. The work done on the gas is:

W_DA = (nR / (γ - 1)) * (T_C - T_H)


This work is negative as T_C < T_H.

Net Work Done in Carnot Cycle


The net work done over one complete cycle is the sum of work done in each step:

W_net = W_AB + W_BC + W_CD + W_DA

Since only isothermal processes involve heat exchange:

W_net = Q_H - Q_C

Efficiency of Carnot Engine


The efficiency of a Carnot engine is given by:

η = 1 - (T_C / T_H)

where T_H and T_C are in Kelvin.

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