Thermodynamics: work done on the atmosphere by an expanding gas

In summary, the conversation discusses an isobaric expansion at a constant pressure p0, where the escaping gas is pushing back the surrounding atmosphere. The remaining pressure of the gas in the vessel is p0, the final total volume of all the gas originally in the vessel is V, and the volume of gas that remains in the vessel is V - V(nc/p0). Additionally, the volume of gas that escaped is V(nc/p0).
  • #1
LCSphysicist
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Homework Statement
A metal container, of volume V and with diathermal walls, contains n
moles of an ideal gas at high pressure. The gas is allowed to leak out
slowly from the container through a small valve to the atmosphere
at a pressure P0. The process occurs isothermally at the temperature
of the surroundings. Show that the work done by the gas against the
surrounding atmosphere is
W = P0(nv0 −V)
where v0 is the molar volume of the gas at atmospheric pressure and
temperature.
Relevant Equations
\n
V = V(n,P)
PV = nc
dV = (-cn/P²)dP + (c/P)dn
dW = (cn/P)dP - (c)dn​

This was how i tried to attack the problem, but it will end with log and probably it is wrong, any tips to fix it?
 
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The escaping gas is pushing back the surrounding atmosphere. What is the pressure of the gas remaining in the vessel after all the gas that was going to escape has escaped? What is the final total volume of all the gas that was originally in the vessel? What volume of gas still remains in the vessel in the end. What is the volume of the escaped gas in the end?
 
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  • #3
Chestermiller said:
The escaping gas is pushing back the surrounding atmosphere. What is the pressure of the gas remaining in the vessel after all the gas that was going to escape has escaped? What is the final total volume of all the gas that was originally in the vessel? What volume of gas still remains in the vessel in the end. What is the volume of the escaped gas in the end?
I think i misinterpreted the question, sorry. It is easier than i thought, it is just an isobaric expansion at p0 XD
 
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1. What is thermodynamics?

Thermodynamics is the branch of physics that deals with the relationships between heat, energy, and work.

2. What is work done on the atmosphere by an expanding gas?

Work done on the atmosphere by an expanding gas refers to the energy transferred to the atmosphere as a gas expands and does work on its surroundings.

3. How is work calculated in thermodynamics?

In thermodynamics, work is calculated as the product of the force applied and the distance over which the force is applied. In the case of an expanding gas, the force is the pressure of the gas and the distance is the change in volume.

4. What is the relationship between work and heat in thermodynamics?

In thermodynamics, work and heat are both forms of energy. Work is the energy transferred due to a force acting over a distance, while heat is the energy transferred due to a temperature difference. The first law of thermodynamics 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.

5. How does an expanding gas affect the atmosphere?

When a gas expands, it does work on its surroundings and transfers energy to the atmosphere. This can cause changes in atmospheric pressure, temperature, and volume. In some cases, it can also lead to changes in weather patterns and atmospheric dynamics.

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