GATE Preparation / Circuit Analysis & Thermodynamics

Flashcards

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First Law

Question
State the First Law of Thermodynamics for a closed system.
Answer
Q − W = ΔU. Heat added to the system minus work done by the system equals the change in internal energy.

KCL

Question
State Kirchhoff's Current Law (KCL).
Answer
The algebraic sum of all currents at any node is zero — currents entering equal currents leaving. Charge cannot accumulate at a node.

KVL

Question
State Kirchhoff's Voltage Law (KVL).
Answer
The algebraic sum of all voltages around any closed loop is zero — voltage rises equal voltage drops (energy conservation).

Second Law

Question
A Carnot engine operates between 800 K and 400 K. What is its efficiency?
Answer
η = 1 − T_cold/T_hot = 1 − 400/800 = 0.5 = 50%. This is the theoretical maximum — no real engine can exceed it.

Superposition

Question
How do you deactivate sources when applying Superposition Theorem?
Answer
Voltage sources → replace with short circuit (0Ω wire). Current sources → replace with open circuit (remove the branch).
Question
Why can't Superposition be applied directly to power calculations?
Answer
Power is nonlinear (P = I²R or V²/R). You must find total current/voltage first using superposition, then calculate power from the total.

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