A question on second law of thermodynamics

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around calculating the change of entropy for a monatomic perfect gas undergoing heating and compression. The initial approach incorrectly assumed constant volume despite changes in pressure and temperature. The correct method involves using the equation that accounts for both heat capacity and volume changes, specifically nCp,m ln(T2/T1) + nR ln(V2/V1). Participants clarify that while pressure and temperature change, volume does not remain constant, necessitating a more complex approach. The conversation concludes with an affirmation of understanding the relationship between the variables involved in the thermodynamic process.
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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