T, Thermodynamics

Thermodynamic Cycle

The thermodynamic cycle depicted by a sequence of clockwise arrows (1 through 4), representing a heat engine process. The cycle consists of four states, each designated here by a number with an x, and four thermodynamic processes, each shown as lines between the four states. P represents the pressure and V is the volume of the system during the sequence.

A repeated thermodynamic sequence that involves the transfer of heat and work into and out of an isolated system, while pressure, temperature, and other state variables are varied within the system.

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