Adiabatic Slope: Ideal Gas Equation

In summary, the slope of an adiabatic curve will only be equal to r times the slope of an isothermal curve when the ideal gas equation is used. To start, a general equation of state is needed and the gradients of the isothermal and adiabatic curves must be related to its values or derivatives. Setting them to be proportional with a constant -g leads to the solution of p=GVT, where G is an unknown constant.
  • #1
mkbh_10
222
0

Homework Statement



The slope of an adiabatic curve will be equal to r times the slope of an isothermal curve only when we use the ideal gas equation

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



Adibatic process, P(V)^g = constant
Differentiating w.r.t V

(V)^gdp/dv+[g(v)^g-1]P=0

dp/dv= -[g(V)^g-1]P/v^g

dp/dv= -g P/V

Slope of an isothermal curve using P=nRT/V is -nRT/V^2 = -P/V

Therefore slope Adiabatic = g times slope isothermal


Am i Correct ??

Can we use vander waal eqn also ?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
You've proven what you put it --- the formula pV^g=constant for adiabatic expansion uses the ideal gas law for its derivation. You have to start more generally.
 
  • #3
how do i do that ?
 
  • #4
Start with a general equation of state, i.e. p is some unknown function of V and T. Relate the gradients of isothermal and adiabatic curves to its values or derivatives. Set them to be proportional to each other, with a constant -g, and then solve the resulting differential equations to show that you end up with p=GVT where G is some (unknown) constant.
 

1. What is adiabatic slope?

Adiabatic slope is a measure of the change in temperature with respect to a change in volume for a gas undergoing adiabatic compression or expansion. It is calculated using the ideal gas equation, which relates the pressure, volume, and temperature of an ideal gas.

2. How is the ideal gas equation used to calculate adiabatic slope?

The ideal gas equation, PV = nRT, is used to calculate adiabatic slope by rearranging it to solve for temperature, T = PV/(nR), and then taking the derivative of temperature with respect to volume, dT/dV. This yields the formula for adiabatic slope, -P/(nR), where P is the gas pressure, n is the number of moles, and R is the ideal gas constant.

3. What is the significance of the adiabatic slope?

The adiabatic slope is significant because it is a measure of the relationship between pressure, volume, and temperature for a gas undergoing adiabatic processes. It can be used to predict the behavior of gases in various situations, such as in internal combustion engines or in the Earth's atmosphere.

4. How does the adiabatic slope differ from the isothermal slope?

The adiabatic slope and isothermal slope are both measures of the change in temperature with respect to a change in volume for a gas. The main difference is that adiabatic slope assumes a constant heat transfer, while isothermal slope assumes a constant temperature. This leads to different equations and behavior for gases undergoing adiabatic and isothermal processes.

5. Can the adiabatic slope be negative?

Yes, the adiabatic slope can be negative. This indicates that the temperature decreases as the volume increases for a gas undergoing adiabatic expansion. It is important to note that the adiabatic slope can only be negative for ideal gases, as real gases may exhibit non-ideal behavior at high pressures and low temperatures.

Similar threads

Replies
1
Views
631
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
14
Views
8K
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
5K
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
954
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
16
Views
3K
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
1K
Back
Top