Change in Entropy for Isothermal Compression of Ideal Gas

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on calculating the change in entropy for an isothermal compression of nitrogen gas. The initial conditions include 8.02 × 10^-1 moles of gas at a specific volume, pressure, and temperature. Participants clarify the relationship between specific heat capacities (Cp and Cv) and the ideal gas constant (R), noting that Cv can be derived from γ. The correct formula for change in entropy during this process is identified as ΔS = nR ln(V2/V1). The conversation emphasizes the importance of using the right equations to solve for entropy changes in ideal gases.
LivvyS
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Problem statement:
A sample of 8.02 × 10-1 moles of nitrogen gas ( γ = 1.40) occupies a volume of 2.00 × 10-2 m3at a pressure of 1.00 × 105 Pa and temperature of 300 K. It is isothermally compressed to half its original volume. It behaves like an ideal gas. Find the change in entropy of the gas.

Relevant equations:

S2-S1 = Cv loge (P2 / P1) + Cp loge (V2 / V1)

S2-S1 = Cv loge ((P2V2γ) / (P1V1γ))

PV=nRTAttempt at answer:
V2 = 1.00 x 10-2 m3

P2 can be found by P = nRT / V = 2.00 x 105 Pa

I assume Cv must be worked out from γ somehow, but I cannot see how to do this.

Thanks in advance for your help guys!
 
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How are Cp and Cv related to R (the ideal gas constant)?

Chet
 
Cp=Cv+nR surely Cp is needed in order to find Cv?

Im not even 100% certain that I am approaching this question correctly, I feel as though I've hit a bit of a wall with it. Perhaps I am trying to use the wrong formula?
 
Last edited:
LivvyS said:
Cp=Cv+nR surely Cp is needed in order to find Cv?

Im not even 100% certain that I am approaching this question correctly, I feel as though I've hit a bit of a wall with it.
##C_p/C_v=\gamma##

##C_p-C_v=R##

Two equations, two unknowns.

Chet
 
Incidentally, for a constant temperature process, what is the equation for the change in entropy as a function of the volume ratio?

Chet
 
Oh I see, so you then end up with Cv= R/ γ-1. Very helpful, thanks!
Do you mean S2-S1 = Cv loge ((P2V2γ) / (P1V1γ))?
 
LivvyS said:
Oh I see, so you then end up with Cv= R/ γ-1. Very helpful, thanks!
Do you mean S2-S1 = Cv loge ((P2V2γ) / (P1V1γ))?
No, I mean ##ΔS=nR\ln(V_2/V_1)##

Chet
 
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