Problem 21.2

Please wait for the animation to completely load.

There is a time delay—since the system must be in equilibrium—before the initial change of state occurs.

You must go in order.

In this animation N = nR (i.e., k_B = 1). This, then, gives the ideal gas law as PV = NT.  To run this Otto engine (cycles of adiabatic and isochoric expansions and contractions), you must go through the steps in order.   The work shown in the data table is the work done during each step.  Restart. 

1. Is the gas a monatomic or diatomic ideal gas? 
2. What is the net work and what is the heat absorbed? 
3. Find the efficiency of this Otto engine.  

(Note that the high temperature and low temperature reservoirs do not stay at constant temperatures).

Problem authored by Anne J. Cox.
© 2004 by Prentice-Hall, Inc. A Pearson Company