Academic First Law Of Thermodynamics Problem

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a problem related to the first law of thermodynamics, specifically focusing on its application in an open system. Participants are exploring the formulation of the energy equation and its implications in a time-dependent context.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to understand the energy equation related to the first law of thermodynamics but feels stuck. Some participants discuss the formulation of the equation as a differential equation and question the meaning of specific terms, such as "n" representing the number of moles. Others express confusion about the disappearance of certain terms when rewriting the equation using mass instead of moles.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, raising questions about specific terms and their implications in the equations. There is a focus on clarifying the meaning of variables and the reasoning behind certain mathematical steps, indicating a productive exploration of the topic.

Contextual Notes

There are mentions of constraints such as the need for constant temperature and the unknown value of Cv, which may affect the discussion and problem-solving process.

Kolin101
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Homework Statement
An insulated tank of volume 12 m3 and with a valve was filled with perfect triatomic gas at pressure 10 bar. Initially the valve was closed. A paddle wheel was mounted inside the tank and was run by 20 kW engine. The paddle wheel was turn on and at the same time the exit valve was opened. The gas temperature was constant trough the whole process (due to very slow flow) and equal to 300 K.
Calculate the time needed to decrease the pressure in the tank to 5 bar.
Relevant Equations
dU=dQ-dW-dmh
Hi there. I have a problem solving above problem. How can I move on with my solution? It seems to me that I have proper approach but I'm just stuck with the energy equation ;/

Part of solution below:

Exam Questions Test 1 - Strona 1.jpg
 
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This involves application of the open-system version of the 1st law of thermodynamics, and, for this particular problem, should be formulated as a time-dependent differential equation (rather than using finite differences): $$\frac{d(nu)}{dt}=-\dot{W}+h\frac{dn}{dt}=-\dot{W}+u\frac{dn}{dt}+RT\frac{dn}{dt}$$For constant temperature, this reduces to: $$0=-\dot{W}+V\frac{dP}{dt}$$
 
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Thank You a lot, I've tried also this way but with no results. But to be sure, what for does the "n" stands for in your first equation?
 
Kolin101 said:
Thank You a lot, I've tried also this way but with no results. But to be sure, what for does the "n" stands for in your first equation?
Number of moles in tank at time t.
 
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ok I've figured out how would it look like in "my style solution" but I still have some questions. Why does the $$ u\frac{dn}{dt} $$
term disappears? when i rewrote it using mass instead of moles, the term
$$\frac{dm}{dt}CvT$$ seems to have a non zero value (there is a mass flowing out, that caries out internal energy at T=300K) and unfortunately Cv is not known either ;/

(new solution attached below the quote)
Chestermiller said:
This involves application of the open-system version of the 1st law of thermodynamics, and, for this particular problem, should be formulated as a time-dependent differential equation (rather than using finite differences): $$\frac{d(nu)}{dt}=-\dot{W}+h\frac{dn}{dt}=-\dot{W}+u\frac{dn}{dt}+RT\frac{dn}{dt}$$For constant temperature, this reduces to: $$0=-\dot{W}+V\frac{dP}{dt}$$

tank discharge.jpg
 
Kolin101 said:
ok I've figured out how would it look like in "my style solution" but I still have some questions. Why does the $$ u\frac{dn}{dt} $$
term disappears?
It cancels from both sides of the equation. What is the derivative of un with respect to t? On the rhs, h=u+Pv.
 

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