Calculating Helium Mass with Work and Ideal Gas Law

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To determine the mass of helium in the given scenario, the ideal gas law (PV=nRT) can be applied alongside the work done by the gas. The process involves heating helium from 273K to 373K at constant pressure while 20.0 J of work is performed. The heat capacity concept is relevant, as it relates to the energy required for temperature changes in gases. By using the relationship between pressure, energy, and volume, one can derive the number of moles of helium, which can then be converted to mass. Understanding these thermodynamic principles is essential for solving the problem accurately.
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Homework Statement


A sample of helium behaves as an ideal gas as it heated at a constant pressure from 273k to 373 k. If 20.0 J of work is done by the gas during this process, what is mass of helium present?


Homework Equations



I was thinking about pv=nRt, but not sure.

The Attempt at a Solution


Ti= 273k, Tf= 373K, Q=20.0J, P=1atm, m=?

Ugghh, how do I solve this? Anyone?
 
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sowmit said:

Homework Statement


A sample of helium behaves as an ideal gas as it heated at a constant pressure from 273k to 373 k. If 20.0 J of work is done by the gas during this process, what is mass of helium present?


Homework Equations



I was thinking about pv=nRt, but not sure.

The Attempt at a Solution


Ti= 273k, Tf= 373K, Q=20.0J, P=1atm, m=?

Ugghh, how do I solve this? Anyone?


The thermodynamic quantity, that tells how how much energy you need for one degree change in temperature, is called heat capacity.

For solving the heat capacity, you might be able to use the fact that for ideal gases, p = \frac{2E}{3V}.
 
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There's an expression for the work done by an ideal gas in expanding, a expression which applies specifically when the pressure is constant. From this you can calculate the number of moles.
 
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