Read Gas Cycles: Identify the Zero-Work Legs
This short read prepares one exact NSEP pattern: work in a mixed ideal-gas cycle. Identify the physical condition before calculating.
Work in a Mixed Ideal-Gas Cycle is the central idea in this question pattern. Identify the condition in the stem before applying the method below.
Start with the physical model
Read the configuration once, state the conserved quantity or governing law, and mark any changing geometry, sign convention or limiting condition.
Build the relation
hence AB and CD are isochores and do no work. Only BC and DA contribute.
Check before selecting
Check units, sign and one limiting case. A valid result must still fit the original geometry and stated constraint.
OlympIQ exam lens
- ✓Name the governing law before using a formula.
- ✓Keep the stated geometry and direction information explicit.
- ✓Use one unit or limiting-case check.
A labelled cycle is not automatically a rectangle; obtain each volume from the ideal-gas law before deciding which legs do work.
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