Saha–Basu equation of state and its application to Carnot cycle

Abstract

Hundred years ago, in 1920, Meghnad Saha and Satyendra Nath Basu derived an equation of state bearing their name. We revisit this largely overlooked equation of state and compute the efficiency of Carnot cycle using this as a working substance. We also calculate the efficiency of Carnot cycle using Dieterici equation of state which can be obtained from Saha-Basu equation of state in a proper limit.