Algebra problem involving work using specific heat ratio

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around an algebra problem related to work and specific heat ratios in thermodynamics. The original poster is attempting to manipulate equations involving pressure and volume to derive a specific expression for work done.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster expresses difficulty in substituting variables and transforming equations. Participants question the clarity of the equations presented and seek to confirm the correctness of the notation used. There are also requests for clarification on what is given and what needs to be proved.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing with participants providing guidance on factoring and confirming the equations. There is no explicit consensus yet, but some participants are attempting to clarify the original poster's confusion regarding the algebraic steps.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the problem originates from a specific textbook, indicating a structured context for the algebraic manipulation being discussed. There is an emphasis on ensuring that the equations are correctly interpreted and represented.

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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