Solving Adiabatic Process for Two Compartments

In summary: The answer given in the book may not be correct. In summary, the conversation discusses a scenario involving a cylinder divided into two compartments by a partition, with equal amounts of oxygen in each compartment. The initial temperatures in the compartments are 550K and 250K, and the partition is allowed to move slowly until the pressures on both sides are equal. The question is to find the final temperatures in the compartments, which may not be accurately answered in the book. Further discussion and equations are provided to consider the possibility of an external force being exerted on the partition.
  • #1
chuakoktong
11
1
TL;DR Summary
Adiabatic process
I tried this question and this the answer given in the book.

A cylinder is close at both ends and has insulating walls. It is divided into two compartments by a perfectly insulating partition that is perpendicular to the axis of the cylinder. Each compartment contains 1.00 mol of oxygen, which behaves as an ideal gas with γ=7/5. Initially the two compartments have equals volumes, and their temperatures are 550k and 250k. The partition is then allowed to move slowly until the pressure on its two sides is equal. Find the final temperatures in the two compartments.

Let P1 be the initial pressure in 1st compartment
P2 be the final pressure in 1st compartment
P3 be the initial pressure n 2nd compartment
P4 be the final pressure in 2nd compartment
V1 be the initial volume in 1st compartment
V3 be the initial volume in 2nd compartment
V2 be the final volume in 1st compartment
V4 be the final volume in 2nd compartment
T1 be the initial temperature in 1st compartment
T2 be the final temperature in 1st compartment
T3 be the initial temperature in 2nd compartment
T4 be the final temperature in 2nd compartment
X be the length of the cylinder
m be the percentage of the cylinder length that move in the process
A be the area of partition

Solving the equation 1 and 2
##P_1V_1^{\gamma}=P_2V_2^{\gamma} -1##
##P_3V_3^{\gamma}=P_4V_4^{\gamma}-2##

(By using PV=nRT)
Will get the ration ##V_2=1.756V_4## or ##T_2=1.756T_4##

Since the work done by the adiabatically expanding gas is equal and opposite to the work done by the adiabatically compress gas.

##(T_1-T_3)=- (T_4-T_2)##
##T_2+T_4=T_1+T_3=800K##

And substitute ##T_2=1.756T_4## into the equation will get ##T_2=510K## and ##T_4=290K##

However, i think this answer is not correct?

The equation should be as below since it not possible to undergo adiabatic expansion on one side and adiabatic process on the other side?
The correct one should be adiabatic compression on the right partition?

##2.5p_1v_1-(2.5p_4v_4-2.5p_3v_3)=2.5p_2v_2##
##p_1v_1-(p_4v_4-p_3v_3)=p_2v_2##
##nR(550)-[nR(250)(\frac{0.5}{0.5-m})^{\gamma-1}-nR(250)]=p_2(0.5+m)XA##

and

##p_3v_3^{\gamma}=p_4v_4^{\gamma}##
##nR(250)(0.5XA)^{\gamma-1}=p_4(0.5XA-mXA)^{\gamma}##

##p_4=p_2##

##[550-250(\frac{0.5}{0.5-m})^{\gamma-1}+250](\frac{0.5}{0.5+m})(\frac{0.5}{0.5-m})^{-\gamma}=250##

solve the value of m to get the pressure on both side and hence temperature on both side?
 
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  • #2
If the partition is "allowed to move slowly", what they meant to say is that it is "forced or constrained to move slowly." To accomplish this, you need to exert external force on the partition during its motion. This means that the amounts of work done by the two gases will not be equal and the change in internal energy of the overall system will not be zero.

This is similar to a question addressed in another recent thread: https://www.physicsforums.com/threa...diabatic-container.981529/page-2#post-6274658
 

What is an adiabatic process?

An adiabatic process is a thermodynamic process in which there is no transfer of heat or mass between the system and its surroundings. This means that the system is completely isolated and does not exchange energy with its surroundings through heat transfer or work.

What are the two compartments in an adiabatic process?

The two compartments in an adiabatic process refer to the two parts of the isolated system that are undergoing the process. These compartments can be physical compartments, such as two containers of gas, or they can be different parts of the same system, such as the hot and cold ends of a heat engine.

How do you solve for an adiabatic process?

To solve for an adiabatic process, you will need to use the first law of thermodynamics, which 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. You will also need to use the ideal gas law, which relates the pressure, volume, and temperature of a gas.

What are the assumptions made in solving for an adiabatic process?

There are a few assumptions that are typically made when solving for an adiabatic process. These include assuming that the system is completely isolated and that there is no heat transfer or work done by or on the system. Additionally, it is often assumed that the process is reversible and that the system is composed of an ideal gas.

What are the applications of solving for an adiabatic process?

Solving for an adiabatic process is important in many areas of science and engineering, including thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and atmospheric science. It is used to understand and predict the behavior of systems that are isolated from their surroundings, such as heat engines, gas pipelines, and weather systems.

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