Work done in irreversible adiabatic process

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the analysis of an irreversible adiabatic process involving an ideal monoatomic gas in a vertical cylinder with a piston. The key question addresses the equivalence of work done by external forces (gravitational force and atmospheric pressure) and the work done by the gas during expansion. The conclusion drawn is that in an irreversible process, the work done by the gas is not equal to the work done on it by external agents, leading to the gas reaching a new equilibrium state without friction affecting the piston’s motion.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of ideal gas laws and properties
  • Familiarity with adiabatic processes and their characteristics
  • Knowledge of thermodynamic equilibrium concepts
  • Basic principles of mechanics related to forces and motion
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of irreversible adiabatic processes in thermodynamics
  • Explore the concept of work done in thermodynamic systems
  • Learn about the behavior of ideal gases under varying conditions
  • Investigate the effects of frictionless systems on motion and equilibrium
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Students of thermodynamics, physics enthusiasts, and anyone studying mechanical systems involving gases and adiabatic processes will benefit from this discussion.

i_island0
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This question came some time back in Stony Brooks exam. I have the solution also. But i am having some conceptual doubts. Can someone help me please.

The question is:
Consider ‘n’ moles of an ideal monoatomic gas placed in a vertical cylinder. The top of the cylinder is closed by a piston of mass M and cross section A. Initially the piston is fixed, and the gas has volume Vo and temperature To. Next, the piston is released, and after several oscillations (due o gravity) comes to a stop. Disregarding friction and the heat capacity of the piston and cylinder, find the temperature and volume of the gas at equilibrium. The system is thermally isolated, and the pressure outside the cylinder is P.

Here i just want to know if the work done by the external agent.. (i.e. Mg & P.A).. can be taken same as work done by the gas inside the cylinder.
 
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as this is reversible adiabatic process the work done on the gas by the surrounding is the work done by Mg and by atmospheric pressure.
 
yes i think tht bt wht i did not get is how does the piston stop if there is no friction?
 

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