Directions
Read the following questions. Choose the right answer.
There is only ONE correct answer to each question.
[Figure: a Carnot cycle on a temperature-volume diagram, with an isothermal expansion (heat in) from a to b, an adiabatic expansion from b to c, then a process from c to d, and an adiabatic compression from d back to a.] In the thermodynamics Carnot cycle shown below, the path from point c to point d is:
- adiabatic
- isothermal
- isobaric
- isochoric
Show answer
Correct answer: B. isothermal
Why
A Carnot cycle alternates isothermal and adiabatic steps; after the adiabatic expansion (b to c), the c-to-d leg is the isothermal compression (heat out), completing the pattern before the final adiabatic compression back to a.