Calculate the total entropy change of the steam

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the total entropy change of 50 kg of steam at 100°C as it condenses and cools to 0°C using a reversible heat engine. The correct approach involves two components: the entropy change of the steam during condensation and the entropy change of the water as it cools. The total entropy change is calculated using the equations ΔSsteam = mL/T and ΔSwater = ∫(mcdT/T) from 373 K to 273 K. The final result for the total entropy change is -368 kJ, correcting the initial miscalculation of -70 kJ.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of thermodynamic principles, specifically entropy and heat transfer.
  • Familiarity with the heat of vaporization and specific heat capacity.
  • Knowledge of calculus, particularly integration techniques.
  • Basic understanding of the Kelvin temperature scale.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the concept of entropy in thermodynamics, focusing on the second law of thermodynamics.
  • Learn about the heat of vaporization for water and its implications in phase changes.
  • Explore integration techniques for calculating entropy changes in thermodynamic processes.
  • Investigate the principles of reversible heat engines and their efficiency.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for students and professionals in thermodynamics, particularly those studying heat engines, phase transitions, and entropy calculations. It is especially relevant for mechanical engineers and physicists working with thermal systems.

a_narain
Messages
5
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


You have 50kg of steam at 100C, but no heat source to maintain it in that condition. You also have a heat resevoir at 0C. Suppose you operate a reversible heat engine with this system, so that the steam gradually condenses and cools until it reaches 0C. Calculate the total entropy change of the steam and subsequent water.


Homework Equations


Entropy = integral of dQ/T
Q = mL + mc(delta T)


The Attempt at a Solution


I set Q= ml+mc(delta T) and took the derivative to find dQ in terms of T. I then evaluated the integral between the two temperatures in kelvin, and got -70 kJ. However, the answer is -368 kJ. What am I doing wrong?
 
Physics news on Phys.org


a_narain said:

Homework Statement


You have 50kg of steam at 100C, but no heat source to maintain it in that condition. You also have a heat resevoir at 0C. Suppose you operate a reversible heat engine with this system, so that the steam gradually condenses and cools until it reaches 0C. Calculate the total entropy change of the steam and subsequent water.

Homework Equations


Entropy = integral of dQ/T
Q = mL + mc(delta T)

The Attempt at a Solution


I set Q= ml+mc(delta T) and took the derivative to find dQ in terms of T. I then evaluated the integral between the two temperatures in kelvin, and got -70 kJ. However, the answer is -368 kJ. What am I doing wrong?
Why are you taking the derivative? There are two parts to the integral. There is the heat of vaporisation. Then there is the heat flow as the water cools to 0 C.

[tex]\Delta S_{steam} = \int dQ/T = mL/T[/tex] where T = 100C (373K)

[tex]\Delta S_{water} = \int_{373}^{273} mcdT/T[/tex]

AM
 

Similar threads

Replies
14
Views
1K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
3K
Replies
14
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
1K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
6K
Replies
9
Views
4K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K