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IB Physics HL B 4 11 Hl Heat Engine Cycles Questions

Interpret HL heat-engine cycles on P–V diagrams, using enclosed area, net work, heat transfer and cycle direction to compare engine performance.

Syllabus
First assessment 2025
Course
Physics HL
Level
HL

Exam points

  • Determine how changing a PV cycle changes net work by comparing the area enclosed by the cycle.
  • Identify a Carnot cycle from two isothermal and two adiabatic stages on a PV diagram.
  • Explain why an ideal cycle may be unsuitable for a practical engine because isothermal stages require very slow operation and adiabatic stages require rapid operation or insulation.

Learn this topic

Study B.4.11 (HL)—Heat engine cycles conceptsOpen the corresponding Concept lesson for explanations, examples and exam connections.

IB Physics HL B 4 11 Hl Heat Engine Cycles Questions question 1

[Maximum number: 1]

The pressure-volume diagram shows a 3-stage cyclic process of 0.20 moles of an ideal gas in a closed container. A-B is an isothermal process. C-A is an adiabatic process.

Figure for Question IB Physics HL B 4 11 Hl Heat Engine Cycles Questions question 1 — IB Physics HL

The following data are available:

 Pressure at A=2.0×106 Pa Volume at A=1.0×10−3 m3 Pressure at B=2.0×105 Pa Volume at B=1.0×10−2 m3\begin{aligned} \text { Pressure at } A & =2.0 \times 10^{6} \mathrm{~Pa} \\ \text { Volume at } A & =1.0 \times 10^{-3} \mathrm{~m}^{3} \\ \text { Pressure at } B & =2.0 \times 10^{5} \mathrm{~Pa} \\ \text { Volume at } B & =1.0 \times 10^{-2} \mathrm{~m}^{3} \end{aligned}

Outline why this cycle can be used for a heat engine.

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