- #1
pdw
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Just a question that will hopefully improve my lack of understanding.
A thought experiment.
I have two cylinders both with frictionless pistons constrained to move in the z direction (against gravity) the same distance in both. So, the intial volume and final volume will be the same for both cylinders. One piston is heavier than the other, it will require more work to move to the limit of travel. Each piston is held at the lower limit of travel until it is released and then can move to the upper limit. Each cylinder is filled with the same mass of gas at the same temperature. The pistons are released and both travel to the upper limit.
The process is adiabatic.
What will be the final temperature of the gas in both cases?
I would think different - the gas that does more work will be cooler. But if both start from the same point (P,V,T) both are constrained to follow an adiabat, so then both will end up at the same temperature (due to having the same final volume). Have I missed the meaning of an adiabat? Have I shown, in my thinking, a complete ineptness in understanding Physics?
Regards
pdw
A thought experiment.
I have two cylinders both with frictionless pistons constrained to move in the z direction (against gravity) the same distance in both. So, the intial volume and final volume will be the same for both cylinders. One piston is heavier than the other, it will require more work to move to the limit of travel. Each piston is held at the lower limit of travel until it is released and then can move to the upper limit. Each cylinder is filled with the same mass of gas at the same temperature. The pistons are released and both travel to the upper limit.
The process is adiabatic.
What will be the final temperature of the gas in both cases?
I would think different - the gas that does more work will be cooler. But if both start from the same point (P,V,T) both are constrained to follow an adiabat, so then both will end up at the same temperature (due to having the same final volume). Have I missed the meaning of an adiabat? Have I shown, in my thinking, a complete ineptness in understanding Physics?
Regards
pdw