A question on second law of thermodynamics

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the change of entropy for 3 moles of a monatomic perfect gas, transitioning from 298K and 1atm to 398K and 5atm. The correct formula for entropy change is identified as nCp,m ln(T2/T1) + nRln(V2/V1), where Cp,m = (5/2) R. The user initially attempted to use Cv ln(T2/T1) but was corrected on the assumption that volume remains constant during the process. The importance of recognizing simultaneous changes in pressure, volume, and temperature is emphasized.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the ideal gas law (Pv=nRT)
  • Knowledge of thermodynamic concepts such as entropy and specific heat capacities (Cp and Cv)
  • Familiarity with the relationships between pressure, volume, and temperature in gas laws
  • Ability to perform logarithmic calculations for entropy changes
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the entropy change formula for ideal gases
  • Learn about isobaric and isothermal processes in thermodynamics
  • Explore the implications of simultaneous changes in pressure, volume, and temperature
  • Investigate real gas behavior and deviations from ideal gas laws
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Students studying thermodynamics, physics enthusiasts, and anyone seeking to understand the principles of entropy and gas behavior under varying conditions.

ky92
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Homework Statement


calculate the change of entropy (for the system) when 3 moles of a monatomic perfect gas, for which Cp,m = (5/2) R, is heated and compressed from 298K and 1atm to 398K and 5atm.

ans: -22.1 JK-1

Homework Equations


for an ideal gas, Pv=nRT
for iso-choric condition, delta S = Cv ln(T2/T1)

The Attempt at a Solution


as both the P and T increase, by Pv=nRT v should be constant at this case
so i thought i should use Cv ln(T2/T1)

however the model answer is that it uses nCp,m ln(T2/T1) + nRln(V2/V1)

i don't know which part of my concept is wrong...
pls help, thank you!
 
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Hi ky92, welcome to PF. Just because P and T are changing doesn't mean that V will remain constant! All three could change simultaneously. When this happens, it's common to simplify the problem by assuming that two simpler processes (isobaric and isothermal, for example) occur in sequence to produce the desired final state.
 
thank you!

by the way
why couldn't i replace (V2/V1) by (T2/T1) in this case? (but we can replace V2/V1 by P1/P2)
i don't really get it!

how to decide whether we should substitute between P-V or P-T/V-T?
 
In an isothermal process on an ideal gas, V_2/V_1=P_1/P_2\neq T_1/T_2\left(=1\right). You can show this with the ideal gas law.
 
Mapes said:
In an isothermal process on an ideal gas, V_2/V_1=P_1/P_2\neq T_1/T_2\left(=1\right). You can show this with the ideal gas law.

oh i get it now
it's just because we assume the reaction is an isobaric, then isothermal process
so T is constant for the second part i.e. in nR ln(V2/V1)

thanks!
you help me a lot
i am bad in physics :P
 
You got it. Hey, nobody's born knowing thermodynamics; keep at it.
 

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