In the following \(p\text{–}V\) diagram, the equation of state along the curved path is given by \[ (V-2)^2 = 4ap, \] where \(a\) is a constant. The total work done in the closed path is:
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For closed \(p\text{–}V\) cycles, always compute the area between the upper and lower curves; this directly gives the work done.