Change in internal energy at constant pressure?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the change in internal energy at constant pressure in thermodynamics, particularly focusing on the applicability of the equation ΔU = CvΔT. Participants explore the implications of this equation for different processes, including isobaric and isochoric processes, and the behavior of ideal versus real gases.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that ΔU = CvΔT applies universally, while others question its validity for processes other than constant volume.
  • One participant suggests using the enthalpy change equation ΔH = ΔU + PΔV to analyze changes at constant pressure.
  • Another participant proposes calculating the change in internal energy for an isobaric process to demonstrate the formula's applicability.
  • Some participants clarify that for ideal gases, internal energy is a function of temperature only, while others note that real gases exhibit pressure dependence on internal energy.
  • There is a discussion about the methods to calculate heat required in an adiabatic process, with differing opinions on which formulas are appropriate.
  • One participant emphasizes that internal energy changes with pressure for real gases, contradicting the notion that it is solely a function of temperature.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the applicability of the equation ΔU = CvΔT across various processes, with some asserting its universal validity and others challenging this perspective. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the relationship between internal energy, temperature, and pressure for real gases.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the assumption that internal energy is independent of pressure for ideal gases, while real gases may exhibit pressure dependence. The discussion also touches on the complexities of calculating heat in adiabatic processes, with various methods proposed but not universally agreed upon.

nil1996
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Change in internal energy at constant pressure??

Hello everybody,
I am stuck with a concept in thermodynamics. We know that ΔU=CvΔT. But what if we want the change in internal energy at constant pressure?


ΔU→Change in internal
Cv=heat capacity at constant volume
 
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nil1996 said:
We know that ΔU=CvΔT. But what if we want the change in internal energy at constant pressure?


ΔU→Change in internal
Cv=heat capacity at constant volume
The given equation won't help... As one can see it is related to internal energy change at constant volume... The equation for enthalpy change in terms of internal energy change and work done might help.
i.e. ΔH=ΔU+PΔV
where P - the value of constant pressure applied
ΔV - change in volume

Regards
 
But my textbook says that ΔU=CvΔT is always true for any process.Why it is like that?How can we use the Cv for processes other than Constant volume??
 
Why don't you try to calculate the change in internal energy for an isobaric process?
This is the best way to convince yourself that the formula "works" for constant pressure too.
 
nil1996 said:
Hello everybody,
I am stuck with a concept in thermodynamics. We know that ΔU=CvΔT. But what if we want the change in internal energy at constant pressure?


ΔU→Change in internal
Cv=heat capacity at constant volume
For the case of an ideal gas, the internal energy is independent of pressure, so the same equation applies. If the material is not an ideal gas, one can obtain the effect of pressure on U from the P-V-T behavior of the material. But you need to learn the derivation of this pressure contribution.

Chet
 
nil1996 said:
Hello everybody,
I am stuck with a concept in thermodynamics. We know that ΔU=CvΔT. But what if we want the change in internal energy at constant pressure?


ΔU→Change in internal
Cv=heat capacity at constant volume

nil1996 said:
But my textbook says that ΔU=CvΔT is always true for any process.Why it is like that?How can we use the Cv for processes other than Constant volume??

You can understand this in three steps.

1. ΔU = (f/2)nRΔT .This applies to all kinds of processes ,when dealing with ideal gases.

2. Next consider an isochoric process(constant volume process) .

Using FLT, ΔQ = ΔU + ΔW

Now, ΔQ = nCvΔT ,ΔU = (f/2)nRΔT and ΔW = 0

So,we have nCvΔT = (f/2)nRΔT

or, Cv = (f/2)R .i.e molar heat capacity at constant volume for a gas is a constant .

3. Now come back to isobaric process .

As we have noted in point 1 , ΔU = (f/2)nRΔT , in an isobaric process for an ideal gas .But Cv for the gas (even though the gas is undergoing a constant pressure process) is equal to (f/2)R .

So we have ΔU = nCvΔT.

Thus ,we see that this relation ΔU = nCvΔT applies to all kinds of processes involving an ideal gas ,just like ΔU = (f/2)nRΔT holds.

Hope that helps
 
Tanya Sharma said:
You can understand this in three steps.

1. ΔU = (f/2)nRΔT .This applies to all kinds of processes ,when dealing with ideal gases.

2. Next consider an isochoric process(constant volume process) .

Using FLT, ΔQ = ΔU + ΔW

Now, ΔQ = nCvΔT ,ΔU = (f/2)nRΔT and ΔW = 0

So,we have nCvΔT = (f/2)nRΔT

or, Cv = (f/2)R .i.e molar heat capacity at constant volume for a gas is a constant .

3. Now come back to isobaric process .

As we have noted in point 1 , ΔU = (f/2)nRΔT , in an isobaric process for an ideal gas .But Cv for the gas (even though the gas is undergoing a constant pressure process) is equal to (f/2)R .

So we have ΔU = nCvΔT.

Thus ,we see that this relation ΔU = nCvΔT applies to all kinds of processes involving an ideal gas ,just like ΔU = (f/2)nRΔT holds.

Hope that helps

Tanya your name sounds like you are india,are you??
I am also from india.
 
I was confused that Cv is the heat needed to raise the temperature when volume is constant, so, Cv can only be used when volume is constant. But now I ve understood that to find out internal energy Cv is used regardless of any process, as, internal energy is the function of temperature only (depends on temperature only), and is independent of other properties including pressure.
 
Internal energy is independent of pressure only for ideal gases and for incompressible solids and liquids. For real gases, internal energy also depends on pressure.
 
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  • #10
Thanks for your reply. I need more help from you. we say that internal energy is function of temperature only, but, when I was calculating air properties by an online property calculator, I noticed that internal energy changes with change in pressure, while keeping constant temperature as you said. so, how to clear this concept? I am still confused.
Can we find the "amount of heat required to raise the piston to certain height, with constant pressure, adiabatic process ( air is the substance, initial and final temperatures and volumes are given)" by using (1) concept of change in enthalpy or using the formula (2) Q=delta U + delta W = mCv*deltaT+P*deltaV or by the formula (3) Q=mCp*deltaT ?? which one is the correct way? I have noticed a little difference between
2nd and 3rd method
.
20160314_004636.jpg
 
  • #11
Prabhu Lal said:
Thanks for your reply. I need more help from you. we say that internal energy is function of temperature only, but, when I was calculating air properties by an online property calculator, I noticed that internal energy changes with change in pressure, while keeping constant temperature as you said. so, how to clear this concept? I am still confused
I don't quite understand this question. For a real gas like air, the internal energy is a function not only of temperature, but also of pressure. The dependence on pressure increases as pressure increases.
.
Can we find the "amount of heat required to raise the piston to certain height, with constant pressure, adiabatic process ( air is the substance, initial and final temperatures and volumes are given)" by using (1) concept of change in enthalpy or using the formula (2) Q=delta U + delta W = mCv*deltaT+P*deltaV or by the formula (3) Q=mCp*deltaT ?? which one is the correct way? I have noticed a little difference between
2nd and 3rd method
.View attachment 97293
You indicated in your problem specification that the it is an "adiabatic process." But this process certainly isn't adiabatic if heat is being supplied to the gas. In any event, for this process, the amount of heat is equal to the change in enthalpy, irrespective of whether the gas is an ideal gas. So method (1) will always be correct, if you have air tables with enthalpy values. Methods (2) and (3) assume you are dealing with an ideal gas for which both U and H are independent of pressure (assuming that, by Cp, you mean the value of the heat capacity in the limit of low pressures). Method 3 would be correct if the value of Cp used were evaluated at the operating pressure P, rather than at pressures approaching ideal gas behavior)
 
Last edited:
  • #12
Chestermiller said:
I don't quite understand this question. For a real gas like air, the internal energy is a function not only of temperature, but also of pressure. The dependence on pressure increases as pressure increases.
.
You indicated in your problem specification that the it is an "adiabatic process." But this process certainly isn't adiabatic if heat is being supplied to the gas. In any event, for this process, the amount of heat is equal to the change in enthalpy, irrespective of whether the gas is an ideal gas. So method (1) will always be correct, if you have air tables with enthalpy values. Methods (2) and (3) assume you are dealing with an ideal gas for which both U and H are independent of pressure (assuming that, by Cp, you mean the value of the heat capacity in the limit of low pressures). Method 3 would be correct if the value of Cp used were evaluated at the operating pressure P, rather than at pressures approaching ideal gas behavior)
Yes you are right. Actually, heat is not supplied though the walls of cylinder, but it is the electric heater which is doing electric work. Well, thank you very much.
 

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