A sample consisting of n moles of an ideal gas is initially at pressure P1, volume V1, and
temperature Th. It expands isothermally until its pressure and volume are P2 and V2. It
then expands adiabatically until its temperature is Tc and its pressure and volume are P3 and
V3. It is then compressed isothermally until it is at a pressure P4 and a volume V4, which is
related to its initial volume V1 by
TcV
γ−1
4 = ThV
γ−1
1
.
The gas is then compressed adiabatically until it is back in its original state.
(a) Use the given information to plot this cycle on a PV diagram. (This cycle is known as
the Carnot cycle for an ideal gas.)