The work done by an ideal gas during closed cycle 1 2 3 4 1 as shown in figure is

Step-by-step solution

The total work done by the gas is the algebraic sum of the work done in the two separate loops shown in the P-V diagram. From the indicated arrows, the lower loop is traversed in a clockwise direction. Thus, the work done in this loop is positive and equal to the area of the lower triangle. W₁ = + 1 2 base height = + 1 2 (5V₀ - V₀) (3P₀ - P₀) W₁ = 1 2 4V₀ 2P₀ = 4P₀V₀ The upper loop is traversed in a counter-clockwise direction. Thus, the work done in this loop is negative and equal to the negative of the area of th