A thermodynamic system is taken through a cyclic process as shown in the diagram. The total work done in the process is

- A
Zero
- B
- C
- D
A thermodynamic system is taken through a cyclic process as shown in the diagram. The total work done in the process is

Zero
Correct answer:D
Standard Method
Given: A cyclic process is shown on a diagram.
Find: The total work done in one complete cycle.
In a cyclic process, the net work done by the system is equal to the area enclosed by the loop on the diagram.
From the diagram, the cycle is a triangle with vertices approximately at , and , where pressure is in and volume is in .
So,
and
Therefore, area enclosed
Since the cycle is clockwise, the work done by the system is positive.
Therefore, the correct option is D and the total work done is .
Using directly as the work without the factor . The enclosed region is a triangle, not a rectangle. Use the triangular area formula instead.
Ignoring the direction of the cycle. In a diagram, a clockwise cycle gives positive work done by the system, while an anticlockwise cycle gives negative work.
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