Change in heat and internal energy

In summary: Therefore, ΔQ=mCv(T3-T1) represents the change in internal energy of the system. The work done by the gas can be calculated by finding the area under the line from points 2 to 3 on a PV diagram. This can be done by using the ideal gas law, PV=nRT, to determine the values of V at each vertex and then deriving a formula for ΔW in terms of P, T, n, and R. Make sure to consider the sign convention being used when determining the sign of ΔQ and ΔW. In summary, the equation ΔQ=mCv(T3-T1) represents the change in internal energy of an ideal gas, and the work done by the gas can be calculated
  • #1
Ashshahril
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1
Homework Statement
What is the change in heat and internal energy in this PV diagram (attached link) from T2 to T3 (T represents temperature)?
Relevant Equations
ΔQ=mC(T3-T1)
Δu=ΔQ + Δw
ΔQ=mC(T3-T1)

But, will this C be Cp or Cv. Both pressure and volume changes. So, neither of them can be.

Feeling so confused
 

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  • #2
Calculate the work from 2-3 which will be the area under the line from 2-3( trapezium area) and you know the change in internal energy= Cv(T2-T3) and u will get ∆Q
 
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  • #3
Note this is a full cycle. You start at point 1 and finish at point 1. So the system's final state is the same as its initial state. What can you say about the overall change in the system's internal energy, ΔU?

The area gives you the work done by the gas. ΔW:
https://www.ux1.eiu.edu/~cfadd/1150/14Thermo/Images/Diag10.gif
If you are dealing with n moles of an ideal gas you can use PV = nRT to get the value of V at each vertex and then derive a formula for ΔW in terms of the P's, T's, n and R.

Then you can find ΔQ.

Make sure the signs (+ or -) of your answers match the sign-convention you are using.

Edit: poor wording corrected.
 
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  • #4
For an ideal gas, internal energy is a function only of temperature. By definition, Cv is given by $$mC_v=\left(\frac{\partial U}{\partial T}\right)_V$$But, since U is dependent only on T for an ideal gas, $$\Delta U=mC_v\Delta T$$
 
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1. What is the difference between heat and internal energy?

Heat is the transfer of energy from a hotter object to a cooler object, while internal energy is the total energy within a system, including both kinetic and potential energy.

2. How does heat affect the internal energy of a substance?

When heat is added to a substance, its internal energy increases as the molecules gain kinetic energy and move faster. When heat is removed, the internal energy decreases as the molecules slow down.

3. What is the relationship between temperature and internal energy?

Temperature is a measure of the average kinetic energy of the molecules in a substance, while internal energy includes both kinetic and potential energy. As temperature increases, so does the average kinetic energy and therefore the internal energy of the substance.

4. Can internal energy be converted into other forms of energy?

Yes, internal energy can be converted into other forms of energy, such as mechanical, electrical, or chemical energy. This conversion is known as work.

5. How does the first law of thermodynamics relate to changes in heat and internal energy?

The first law of thermodynamics states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transferred or converted. Therefore, any change in heat or internal energy must follow this law, with the total energy of a system remaining constant.

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