A Cyclic Process Is Carried Out on an Ideal Gas $p V$

Multiple Choice

A cyclic process is carried out on an ideal gas such that it returns to its initial state at the end of a cycle, as shown in the $p V$ diagram in the figure. If the process is carried out in a counter-clockwise sense around the enclosed area, as shown on the figure, then the magnitude of the enclosed area represents

A) the work done by the gas.
B) the work done on the gas.
C) the heat added to the gas.
D) the heat that flows out of the gas.