P-V Diagrams & Cyclic Processes
n mole of a perfect gas undergoes a cyclic process ABCA (see figure) consisting of the following processes.
A B: Isothermal expansion at temperature T so that the volume is doubled from V1 to V2 = 2V1 and pressure changes from P1 to P2
B C: Isobaric compression at pressure P2 to initial volume V1.
C A: Isochoric change leading to change of pressure from P2 to P1.
Total work done in the complete cycle ABCA is:

Show answer and solution
Answer: (c)
- isothermal:
- isobaric: . Since ,
- isochoric:
- Total . So the answer is (c).