Heat and work in adiabatic container

In summary, in an adiabatic system where electrical current is passed through a resistor immersed in a liquid, causing a 1 degree Celsius change in temperature, no heat flows across the boundary between the system and surroundings. Therefore, the change in internal energy is equal to the work done, which can be expressed as the product of external pressure and change in volume. In this case, the increase in temperature of the liquid leads to an increase in internal energy, and work is being done by the system due to the presence of a force.
  • #1
kiwikahuna
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0

Homework Statement



Electrical current is passed through a resistor immersed in a liquid in an adiabatic container. The temperature of the liquid is varied by 1 degree Celcius. The system consists solely of the liquid. Does heat or work flow across the boundary between the system and surroundings? Justify your answer.


The Attempt at a Solution



Because it is an adiabatic container, heat does not flow across the boundary between the system and surroundings. So...d[tex]\Delta[/tex]U = q +w where q = 0.

[tex]\Delta[/tex]U = w
[tex]\Delta[/tex]U = Pext[tex]\Delta[/tex]V

I'm having a hard trying to find the right way to explain that work is being done in physics lingo. Is it because temperature of the liquid increases the internal energy therefore work is being done?

Thanks.
 
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  • #2
kiwikahuna said:
I'm having a hard trying to find the right way to explain that work is being done in physics lingo. Is it because temperature of the liquid increases the internal energy therefore work is being done?

Yes, and if you wanted to be more detailed you could talk about what kind of work is being done and the nature of the "force" that is doing work.
 
  • #3


As a scientist, it is important to be precise and clear in our language and explanations. In this scenario, an adiabatic container means that there is no heat exchange between the system (liquid) and the surroundings. Therefore, the change in internal energy (\DeltaU) of the system is equal to the work done (w) on the system. This work is done by the electrical current passing through the resistor, which causes the temperature of the liquid to increase by 1 degree Celsius. This increase in temperature is a manifestation of the increase in internal energy of the system due to the work done on it. In other words, the work done on the system results in an increase in its internal energy, which is reflected in the increase in temperature. Therefore, in this scenario, work is being done on the system, but no heat is being transferred across the boundary.
 

1. What is an adiabatic container?

An adiabatic container is a container that does not allow heat to enter or leave. This means that any change in temperature or pressure inside the container is solely due to work done on or by the system.

2. What is the relationship between heat and work in an adiabatic container?

In an adiabatic container, heat and work are interchangeable. This means that if work is done on the system, the temperature and pressure inside the container will increase, and if work is done by the system, the temperature and pressure will decrease.

3. How does an adiabatic container differ from an insulated container?

An insulated container also does not allow heat to enter or leave, but it does not allow for any work to be done on or by the system. This means that in an insulated container, the temperature and pressure will remain constant, whereas in an adiabatic container, they can change due to work.

4. Can an adiabatic container be used to create a perpetual motion machine?

No, an adiabatic container cannot be used to create a perpetual motion machine. This is because the container can only change in temperature and pressure due to work, and eventually, the system will reach equilibrium and no further work can be done.

5. How is an adiabatic container used in thermodynamics?

An adiabatic container is used in thermodynamics to study the relationship between heat, work, and temperature/pressure changes. It allows for the isolation of a system from its surroundings, making it a useful tool in understanding the principles of thermodynamics.

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