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Thermodynamics FAQ

Which thermodynamic cycle drives most petrol engines?

Otto cycle. The Otto cycle (two adiabatic + two isochoric processes) models the petrol (gasoline) internal combustion engine.

Short Answer

Otto cycle is the best answer.

Thermodynamics questions usually test sign conventions, state variables, or what is being held constant. Before calculating, decide whether the system is exchanging heat, doing work, or both.

The Otto cycle (two adiabatic + two isochoric processes) models the petrol (gasoline) internal combustion engine.

Why This Answer Is Correct

This is a Medium-level question in Thermodynamics. The prompt is really testing whether you can connect the concept to its defining physical relationship instead of picking a nearby-but-wrong term.

Write the system boundary first. Many thermodynamics mistakes disappear once you know what counts as heat, work, and internal-energy change.

Choices At A Glance

  • A. Carnot cycle
  • B. Otto cycle
  • C. Diesel cycle
  • D. Rankine cycle

When similar options appear on an exam, eliminate the ones that break the core law, use the wrong units, or confuse a definition with a consequence.

Topic Snapshot

Topic: Thermodynamics

Difficulty: Medium

Best next move: Re-state the governing law in your own words, then solve one more example from the same topic before moving on.