Carnot pVCalculator

Overview

This package displays a Carnot pV diagram, consisting of isotherms and adiabats. You can change the isotherm temperatures and the separation between adiabats. You can also change the heat capacity ratio (gamma). The graph display updates within the given values of maximum pressure and minimum to maximum pressure. The work done by the system (clockwise cycle) is also displayed.

I use the demo in my physical chemistry class to illustrate points often not well represented by "static" pV Carnot cycle diagrams (for example, did you know that work done is independent of the type of gas????)
 

Distribution Details

• Experiments: none
• Procedure Files: CarnotpVCalculator.ipf
• XOPS: none
• Demos: CarnotpVCalculator
• Requires Packages: NONE
• Help Files: a notebook outlines the operation in the demo
• Documentation: the Web pages for this project

Installation

Put the CarnotpVCalcultor.ipf file somehow in your User Procedures folder. Then open the (demo) experiment. Alternatively, use an #include "CarnotpVCalculator" in the macro window to load the procedure. To have the procedure always active for all experiments, put the CarnotpVCalculator.ipf file somehow in your User Procedures folder and then store in the Igor Procedures folder a shortcut (alias) to this file.

When not otherwise displayed, the panel (and graph) is opened from the Misc:Panels:Carnot pVCalculator menu.