Question

Rank in order, from largest to smallest, the amount of work ${\left(W_5\right)}_1\text{to}{\left(W_5\right)}_4$done by the gas in each of the cycles shown in FIGURE Q21.2. Explain.

Short answer

Rank in order is$W_3>W_2=W_1>W_4$

Step-by-step solution

Step :1 Introduction 

The work done in thermodynamics is represented by the area under the PV diagram. In order for work to be done in a closed system, there must be some volume displacement. In other words, an isochoric process (volume = constant) produces no work.

Step :2 Explanation

When a closed loop is established in a clockwise manner, the quantity of work performed by the system equals the area enclosed by the loop.