C(v,m) vs C(p,m) and adiabatic, reversible work

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SUMMARY

The forum discussion revolves around calculating the work done by a sample of carbon dioxide (CO2) during a reversible adiabatic expansion from 500 cm³ to 3.00 dm³. The user initially attempts to apply the equation dw = -pex dV, but encounters discrepancies in the results. They explore the relationship between internal energy (du), heat transfer (dq), and work (dw), ultimately seeking the final temperature using the formula Tf = (Vf/Vi)^(1/c). The discussion highlights the specific heat capacities for CO2, with Cvm determined as 5R/2 and Cpm as 7R/2, leading to confusion regarding the specific gas constant and its application in the problem.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the first law of thermodynamics (du = dq + dw)
  • Familiarity with adiabatic processes and their properties
  • Knowledge of specific heat capacities (Cvm and Cpm) for gases
  • Ability to apply the ideal gas law in thermodynamic calculations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation and application of the equation dw = -pex dV in adiabatic processes
  • Learn how to calculate specific heat capacities for different gases, focusing on CO2
  • Investigate the relationship between temperature, volume, and pressure in adiabatic expansions
  • Explore the use of specific gas constants and their significance in thermodynamic equations
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in thermodynamics, particularly those dealing with gas expansion problems, as well as anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of adiabatic processes and the behavior of carbon dioxide in thermodynamic systems.

speny83
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Homework Statement


A sample of carbon dioxide, mass 2.45g, is allowed to expand reversible & adiabaticly from 500cm3 to 3.00 dm3
What is the work done by the gas

Homework Equations


dw=-pexdV
du=dq+dw
du=nCv,mdt


The Attempt at a Solution



At first i just wanted to say that because dw=-pexdV and pex=p=\frac{nrt}{v} so w=-nrt∫dV/V...w=-nrt*ln(vf/vi)
however this doesent give me the correct sollution, but i don't understand why i can't say that.

my second thought was to say that because du=dq+dw and dq=0 for adiabatics that it would make du=dw and with du=nCv,mdt so w=nCv,mΔT i could go about it this way, but i need to find the final temp, as an aside: is the reason i cannot use charles law here because work is being done so p is not constant?

ok so i need final T which i can get by Tf=(\frac{Vf}{Vi})1/c

my notes say that c=Cvm/R and, this is not part of the notes, Cvm for CO2 (because its linear) is just 5R/2 right?

however the solution guide goes into all this c=\frac{Cvm}{R}=\frac{Cpm-R}{R}=3.463

but they don't explain any numbers...if you try to reverse calc it (3.463*8.3145)+8.3145 you get 37 somethig which doesent coordinate to anything either...also wouldn't Cp,m just be 7R/2?


now I am so confused i don't know what to do

I moved on and worked some other problems (involving CO2) where i had to find \gamma being Cpm/Cvm doing this using Cpm=7R/2 and Cvm=5R/2 worked just fine so I am inclined to believe that the above just doesent make a lick of sense
 
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For R you need to use the specific gas constant for CO2. Which is 0.1889 \frac{kj}{kg K}
 
Miaq- I am not sure what you mean by that comment. As far as i can see R=8.3145J/kmol is the only R value that would apply...Ive never heard of each gas having their own unique R. and for that matter the solution guide (which does a horrible job explaining the solution) uses the 8.3...
 
Miaq- i see your edit addition to your first comment. however that number doesn't appear to resolve anything in the problem, nor is it something we have covered in the first two chapters of this silly book they gave me. but thanks for suggesting a solution.
 
The specific gas constant is just R divided by the gas's molar mass. I guess the m is for CO2's molar mass which is 44. Does dividing 37 by 44 give you the right Cp?
 
I have no idea what your getting at. And I am sorry but its just getting me more confused trying to use something that i truly believe doesent belong in this problem. Also, I really want to understand where my though processess went wrong, not to find some abstract way of getting to an answer.

Thanks for giving it a shot
 
Sorry about that. I was using the tables in my thermo book that list Cp and Cv. I worked out c using those Cp and Cv values and the specific gas constant I mentioned earlier and got 3.46. I kinda assumed that maybe you had those tables also.
 

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