Is Conservation of Energy Sufficient for Deriving the Adiabatic Process?

In summary: But, the proof using the formula is easy. Use:P1V1^γ = P2V2^γand as you compress the gas, V2 < V1 and P2 > P1....In summary, the conversation discusses the use of PV=nRT and conservation of energy to derive the PV^gamma equation for adiabatic processes. The use of calculus is necessary for an exact solution, rather than approximations. The conversation also touches on the confusion surrounding -PdV and +PdV signs and their implications in adiabatic processes. The formula P1V1^gamma = P2V2^gamma can be used
  • #1
chuakoktong
11
1
Most of the book using PV=nRT for PV^gamma constant for adiabatic process.
However, please refer attachment, proving using conservation of energy will also make sense?
 

Attachments

  • pv gamma.jpg
    pv gamma.jpg
    4.3 KB · Views: 957
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
The derivation in your attachment seems to start half way through. Where does your first line come from?
 
  • #3
The derivation

Please refer attachment it seem using this method, it able to change instaneneous equation to continuois equation.
Equation A
5/2P1V1-P2(dv)=5/2(P2)(V1+(dv))
will be transform to
Equation B
10.4/V1=P1+2/5P2
However the "V1" in equation B will represent the value of "V1+dv" in equation A and dv is eliminated both equation A and B showing same charateristic.

I consider adiabatic derivation using conservation of energy and the same way as above
Intial internal energy of gas-work done by gas=Final energy of gas
the P2 dv is change to Pdv since the pressure being compress of expand is the instataneous gas pressure in cylinder
1/(γ-1)PV-P(dv)=5/2P2(V+(dv))
However, dv can be +dv or -dv depend the volume expand or compress
After tranform it will ge PV^γ
 

Attachments

  • integration.jpg
    integration.jpg
    15.3 KB · Views: 863
  • #4
Hi Chuakoktong. Welcome to PF.

I am having some difficulty following your derivation.

Start with the ideal gas law PV=nRT, which means that for any change: Δ(PV) = nRΔT, if n is constant. In other words d(PV)/dT = nR

This means: (VdP + PdV)/dT = nR

Now we can subsitute R = Cp-Cv and get (VdP + PdV)/dT = n(Cp-Cv) = nCv(γ-1) where γ = Cp/Cv

Then you apply the first law and substitute _____ for the nCvdT term (hint: nCvdT = dU). Can you do that?

AM
 
  • #5
Adiabatic compression concept

For the derivation of pv gamma using PV=nRT, i do know how to get it. However, i would like to try other concept to get it as well.

Sorry for my poor explanation.
At the moment, I would like to understand the below question to know whether i on the right track.
A)the internal energy of gas in a cylinder with volume V and pressure P can be written as
1/(γ-1)PV correct?
B)when compress the gas by a small volume dv, the work done on gas is P*dv?
C)The final internal energy is the sum of work done (P*dv)+initial internal energy(1/(γ-1)PV) correct?
 
  • #6
chuakoktong said:
For the derivation of pv gamma using PV=nRT, i do know how to get it. However, i would like to try other concept to get it as well.

Sorry for my poor explanation.
At the moment, I would like to understand the below question to know whether i on the right track.
A)the internal energy of gas in a cylinder with volume V and pressure P can be written as
1/(γ-1)PV correct?
Correct for an ideal gas. This is just algebra ie:

The internal energy of an ideal gas is:

U = nCvT = n(Cp-R)T = nR(Cp/R-1)T = nR(Cp/Cv)(Cv/R)- 1)T = nR(γ(Cv/(Cp-Cv)-1)T= nR(γ(1/(γ-1))-1)T = 1/(γ-1)nRT

Since PV = nRT, U = 1/(γ-1)PV

B)when compress the gas by a small volume dv, the work done on gas is P*dv?
Not quite. The work done ON the gas is -PdV. The work done BY the gas is PdV.

C)The final internal energy is the sum of work done (P*dv)+initial internal energy(1/(γ-1)PV) correct?
Not quite. PdV is the work done BY the gas. The final internal energy is the sum of the work done ON the gas (-PdV) and the initial internal energy.

So:

U = Ui + ΔU = Ui + W = Ui - ∫PdVAM
 
Last edited:
  • #7
adiabatic compression

Dear Mason,

Thank you for spending time for my post and answering my doubt.
After checking, the work done is always defined by -∫Pdv or work done=-P(Vf-Vi)
Vf=final volume and Vi=initial volume
Thank for pointing out my mistake

Consider a diatomic gas with pressure 1pascal undergo adiabatic compression by 0.1m^3
Using
P1V1^γ=P2V2^γ
(1)(1)^1.4=P2(0.9)^1.4
P2=1.1589pascal

This is what cause of my confusion
I been thinking may be is possible to get the same answer as above using the formula as mention below
I obtain it by using approxumation method letting dv=0.05 and i believe using a small dv ie.0.01
could obtain a nearer value.
Please compare the calculation using equation 1 and 2
5/2P1V1+Pdv=5/2P2V2 eq-1
5/2P1V1-Pdv=5/2P2V2 eq-2

since dv is 0.05^m3 gas is compress initially by 0.05m^3 and undergo another compression by 0.05m^3
The formula below using eq 2
5/2(1)(1)-(1)(0.05)=5/2(p2)(0.95)
P2=98/95pascal

5/2(98/95)(0.95)-(98/95)(0.05)=5/2(p3)(0.9)
P3=1.0659pascal

If using eq 1,
5/2(1)(1)+(1)(0.05)=5/2(p2)(0.95)
P2=102/95

5/2(102/95)(0.95)+(102/95)(0.05)=5/2(p3)(0.9)
P3=1.1571pascal

Compare value obtain from eq 1 and eq2, eq1 is closer to value of pressure obtain using PV^γ
approximation method always accompanied by error when comparing to the integral form.
However, using a formula does not match the original equation result in a bigger error?
At the moment i haven't try using smaller dv

Also in adiabatic free expansion, most of it mention P1V1/T1=P2V2/T2
and T1=T2 lead to P1V1=P2V2
I am wondering also consider the case of there is no change in the internal energy of gas in adiabatic free expansion
5/2P1V1=5/2P2V2 which lead to P1V1=P2V2 also
I been thinking by using conservation of energy it should be able to hold a formula to predict any process but still the -Pdv sign and +pdv sign is confusing me
At the moment i will try to use a smaller dv to check the result for eq 1.
 
  • #8
chuakoktong said:
Dear Mason,
Consider a diatomic gas with pressure 1pascal undergo adiabatic compression by 0.1m^3
Using
P1V1^γ=P2V2^γ
(1)(1)^1.4=P2(0.9)^1.4
P2=1.1589pascal

This is what cause of my confusion
I been thinking may be is possible to get the same answer as above using the formula as mention below.
...

Compare value obtain from eq 1 and eq2, eq1 is closer to value of pressure obtain using PV^γ
approximation method always accompanied by error when comparing to the integral form.
However, using a formula does not match the original equation result in a bigger error?
At the moment i haven't try using smaller dv
You appear to be trying to avoid using calculus by approximating. To get an exact answer you have to use calculus.

Also in adiabatic free expansion, most of it mention P1V1/T1=P2V2/T2
and T1=T2 lead to P1V1=P2V2
I am wondering also consider the case of there is no change in the internal energy of gas in adiabatic free expansion
5/2P1V1=5/2P2V2 which lead to P1V1=P2V2 also
I been thinking by using conservation of energy it should be able to hold a formula to predict any process but still the -Pdv sign and +pdv sign is confusing me
At the moment i will try to use a smaller dv to check the result for eq 1.
You have to use the formula. I am not sure why you want do use an approximation. Just use PV^γ = constant.

As far as the PdV and -PdV, all you have to remember is that the work done BY the gas is always ∫PdV. When a gas expands dV is positive so work done by the gas = PdV is positive.

AM
 
  • #9
Adiabatic derivation

Dear Mason,

Thank for your fast reply.

The reason i advoid using calculus is because i trying to break down thing part by part for my further understanding.

I been thinking as far as things are interrelated, maybe same result/answer can also be obtained by using different way(i.e taking different path leading the same destination)

I am trying by means of calculus can the equation as below
5/2P1V1+Pdv=5/2P2V2
or
5/2P1V1-Pdv=5/2P2V2

integrated become P1V1^γ
 
  • #10
chuakoktong said:
Dear Mason,

Thank for your fast reply.

The reason i advoid using calculus is because i trying to break down thing part by part for my further understanding.

I been thinking as far as things are interrelated, maybe same result/answer can also be obtained by using different way(i.e taking different path leading the same destination)

I am trying by means of calculus can the equation as below
5/2P1V1+Pdv=5/2P2V2
or
5/2P1V1-Pdv=5/2P2V2

integrated become P1V1^γ

But P2 = P1+dP and V2 = V1+dV. So:
your equation becomes:

(1/(γ-1))P1V1 - P1dV = (1/(γ-1))(P1+dP)(V1+dV) which is equivalent to:

P1dV = -(1/(γ-1))(P1dV + V1dP)

And all that says is that W = -ΔU (ie. it is adiabatic).

AM
 
  • #11
Adiabatic derivation

Yes, from there i get the point.

Thank a lot for all the work and explanation you show to me. I really appreciate it a lot.
 

1. What is an adiabatic process?

An adiabatic process is a thermodynamic process in which there is no heat transfer between the system and its surroundings. This means that the system does not exchange thermal energy with its environment, and the process occurs without any change in temperature.

2. How is the adiabatic process derived?

The adiabatic process is derived from the first law of thermodynamics, which states that the change in internal energy of a system is equal to the heat added to the system minus the work done by the system. In an adiabatic process, there is no heat added or subtracted, so the change in internal energy is equal to the work done by the system.

3. What is the formula for adiabatic process?

The formula for adiabatic process is PVγ = constant, where P is the pressure, V is the volume, and γ is the ratio of specific heats. This formula is also known as the adiabatic equation.

4. What is the difference between adiabatic and isothermal process?

The main difference between adiabatic and isothermal processes is that in an adiabatic process, there is no heat transfer, whereas in an isothermal process, the temperature remains constant. In other words, an adiabatic process involves a change in temperature, while an isothermal process does not.

5. What are some real-life examples of adiabatic process?

Some real-life examples of adiabatic process include the compression and expansion of gases in car engines, the compression of air in a bicycle pump, and the expansion of air in a hot air balloon. These processes occur without any heat transfer, making them adiabatic processes.

Similar threads

  • Classical Physics
Replies
1
Views
910
  • Classical Physics
2
Replies
61
Views
5K
Replies
1
Views
611
Replies
6
Views
2K
Replies
22
Views
2K
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
996
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
739
Replies
6
Views
805
Replies
5
Views
578
Back
Top