Calculate the work done in polyatomic gas

In summary, the conversation discusses the calculation of work done by a system in an irreversible adiabatic expansion of a polyatomic gas. The work is calculated using the formula W = nCvΔT, where n is the number of moles of gas, Cv is the specific heat at constant volume, and ΔT is the change in absolute temperature. The final temperature and volume are unknown, but can be found using the fact that PVγ = constant for adiabatic processes and the ideal gas equation of state. The formula PVγ = constant may only be applicable for adiabatic reversible processes, but can still be used in this case.
  • #1
paragchitnis
25
0

Homework Statement


Calculate the work done by the system in an irreversible (single step) adiabatic expansion of 2 moles of a polyatomic gas ([itex]\gamma[/itex] = 4/3) from 300K and pressure 10 atm to 1 atm.


Homework Equations


Work done in adiabatic process
W = nCv[itex]\Delta[/itex]T
n = Moles of gas
Cv = R/([itex]\gamma[/itex]-1) R-Universal gas constant
[itex]\Delta[/itex]T- Change in absolute temperature

The Attempt at a Solution


The given answer is 405R. I am unable to find out the change in temperature as final temperature and volume are unknown. Is there any other formula to calculate the work done in adiabatic expansion?
 
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  • #2
Are you aware that [itex]P V^{\gamma} = constant[/itex] for adiabatic processes? You can find the final temperature using this fact and the ideal gas equation of state.
 
  • #3
Pi-Bond said:
Are you aware that [itex]P V^{\gamma} = constant[/itex] for adiabatic processes? You can find the final temperature using this fact and the ideal gas equation of state.

I think PV[itex]\gamma[/itex]= constant is applicable for adiabatic reversible processes only. It is irreversible process..
 

1. What is the formula for calculating the work done in a polyatomic gas?

The formula for calculating the work done in a polyatomic gas is W = nRTln(V2/V1), where W is the work done, n is the number of moles of gas, R is the gas constant, T is the temperature in Kelvin, and V1 and V2 are the initial and final volumes of the gas.

2. How do you determine the number of moles of gas in the calculation?

The number of moles of gas can be determined by dividing the mass of the gas by its molar mass. This can be found by using the ideal gas equation, PV = nRT, where P is the pressure, V is the volume, and T is the temperature.

3. Can this formula be used for all types of gases?

No, this formula specifically applies to polyatomic gases, which consist of molecules with more than two atoms. This formula would not be accurate for monatomic gases, which consist of single atoms, as they behave differently under certain conditions.

4. How does temperature affect the work done in a polyatomic gas?

The temperature of the gas directly impacts the amount of work done. As the temperature increases, the gas molecules have more kinetic energy and therefore collide more frequently with the walls of the container, resulting in a higher work done. Conversely, a decrease in temperature would result in a lower work done.

5. Is it necessary to convert the temperature to Kelvin in this calculation?

Yes, it is necessary to convert the temperature to Kelvin in this calculation as the gas constant, R, is in units of Kelvin. Additionally, the ideal gas law, which is used to determine the number of moles of gas, also requires the temperature to be in Kelvin.

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