Algebra problem involving work using specific heat ratio

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on solving an algebraic problem involving the specific heat ratio (gamma) in the context of work equations. A participant is struggling with substituting variables in the equation for work, specifically transitioning from the equation W=(P1v1 - P2v2) / (gamma-1) to the final form involving ratios of pressures and volumes. Clarifications are sought regarding the correct interpretation of the equations, particularly the notation used for P1 and v1. The conversation highlights the importance of correctly factoring and substituting values to arrive at the desired equation. The thread emphasizes the need for clear communication in mathematical discussions to avoid confusion.
gmaverick2k
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NO TEMPLATE BECAUSE SUBMITTED TO NON-HOMEWORK FORUM

I'm stuck on substituting the following (where gamma is the specific heat ratio):
W=(P1v1 - P2v2) / (gamma-1)
P1v1^gamma = P2v2^gamma

substituting for v2... <= this is where I get stuck...
W = [(P1v1) / (gamma-1)] * [(P2 / P1)^((gamma-1)/gamma) -1]

How did it get from the bold to the final equation?
 
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Are you saying that you haven't been able to figure out how to do the algebra?
 
Yes
 
gmaverick2k said:
Yes
OK. I'm going to move this to the Precalculus Math forum. I'm assuming that this is a homework problem. If so, in the future, please submit homework problems to one of the Homework forums, along with using the required template.
 
gmaverick2k said:
NO TEMPLATE BECAUSE SUBMITTED TO NON-HOMEWORK FORUM

I'm stuck on substituting the following (where gamma is the specific heat ratio):
W=(P1v1 - P2v2) / (gamma-1)
P1v1^gamma = P2v2^gamma

substituting for v2... <= this is where I get stuck...
W = [(P1v1) / (gamma-1)] * [(P2 / P1)^((gamma-1)/gamma) -1]

How did it get from the bold to the final equation?
In your second equation in bold, is it ##P_1v_1^{\gamma} = P_2v_2^{\gamma}## (which is what you wrote) or did you mean ##(P_1v_1)^{\gamma} = (P_2v_2)^{\gamma}##? I'm not familiar enough with your equations to be sure that what you wrote is what you meant.
 
gmaverick2k said:
Yes
Can you please tell what is to be proved and what is given ? I can't figure out from our post.
 
Mark44 said:
In your second equation in bold, is it ##P_1v_1^{\gamma} = P_2v_2^{\gamma}## (which is what you wrote) or did you mean ##(P_1v_1)^{\gamma} = (P_2v_2)^{\gamma}##? I'm not familiar enough with your equations to be sure that what you wrote is what you meant.
It is correct as he has it written.
 
The first step is to factor out ##P_1V_1## from the term in parenthesis in the numerator.
 
Buffu said:
Can you please tell what is to be proved and what is given ? I can't figure out from our post.
It's from Coulson & Richardson Volume 4 problem 2.1... I'm confused with the algebra:
W = (P1*v1 - P2*v2) / (gamma-1)
P1*v1^gamma = P2*v2^gamma

upload_2017-3-10_17-39-51.png
 
  • #10
gmaverick2k said:
NO TEMPLATE BECAUSE SUBMITTED TO NON-HOMEWORK FORUM

I'm stuck on substituting the following (where gamma is the specific heat ratio):
W=(P1v1 - P2v2) / (gamma-1)
P1v1^gamma = P2v2^gamma

substituting for v2... <= this is where I get stuck...
W = [(P1v1) / (gamma-1)] * [(P2 / P1)^((gamma-1)/gamma) -1]

How did it get from the bold to the final equation?
##\left(\frac{v_2}{v_1}\right)^{\gamma}=\frac{P_1}{P_2}##
##\frac{v_2}{v_1}=\left(\frac{P_2}{P_1}\right)^{-\frac 1{\gamma}}##
 
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  • #11
haruspex said:
##\left(\frac{v_2}{v_1}\right)^{\gamma}=\frac{P_1}{P_2}##
##\frac{v_2}{v_1}=\left(\frac{P_2}{P_1}\right)^{-\frac 1{\gamma}}##
Thanks
 
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