PASCO TD-8572 HEAT ENGINE_ GAS LAW APPARATUS - Manual (Page 17)

012-06014C Heat Engine/Gas Law Apparatus
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Figure 5.3. A simplified diagram of the mass lifter heat engine at different stages of its cycle.
5.1 Activity: Description of the Engine Cycle
a. Predicted transition a ➔ b: Close the system to outside air but leave the can in the cold
reservoir. Make sure the rubber stopper is firmly in place in the can. What should happen
to the height of the platform when you add a mass? Explain the basis of your prediction.
b. Observed transition a ➔ b: What happens when you add the mass to the platform? Is this
what you predicted?
c. Predicted transition b ➔ c: What do you expect to happen when you place the can in the hot
reservoir ?
d. Observed transition b ➔ c: Place the can in the hot reservoir and describe what happens to
the platform with the added mass on it. Is this what you predicted? (This is the engine
power stroke!)
e. Predicted transition c ➔ d: Continue to hold the can in the hot reservoir and predict what
will happen if the added mass that is now lifted is removed from the platform and moved
onto an upper conveyor belt. Explain the reasons for your prediction.
m
y y
m
0 0 0
m
m
Point A Point B Point C Point D
Cold Cold Hot Hot