PASCO TD-8592 SMALL PISTON HEAT ENGINE APPARATUS - Manual (Page 21)

16
Small Piston Heat Engine 012-08375A
P
d
=
V
d
=
g. We suspect that transitions from a ➔ b and from c ➔ d are approximately adiabatic. Explain why.
h. You should have found that the transitions from b ➔ c and from d ➔ a are isobaric. Explain why this
is the case.
Finding Thermodynamic Work from the Diagram
In the next activity, you should draw a P- V diagram for your cycle and determine the thermody-
namic work for your engine.
5.4 Activity: Plotting and Interpreting a P-V Diagram
a. Fill in the appropriate numbers on the scale on the graph frame that follows and plot the P-V
diagram for your engine cycle. Alternatively, generate your own graph using a computer
graphing routine and affix the result in the space below.
b. On the graph in part a, label each of the points on the cycle (a, b, c, and d). Indicate on the graph
which of the transitions (a ➔ b, b ➔ c, etc.) are adiabatic and which are isobaric.