Change in the energy content of an isobaric process

In summary, a PV diagram shows an isobaric expansion, and the signs of work done on, heat added to, and change in energy content can be determined. Work done on the system is negative because the system does work on the surroundings. Heat added is positive since it must be added to maintain constant pressure. The change in energy content, represented by dU, will have a value regardless of the process, and this value is dependent on the starting and ending states. Therefore, dU will not be 0 for both isobaric and adiabatic processes.
  • #1
diaaa2
1
0
Homework Statement
A PV diagram shows an isobaric expansion, I'm asked to know the signs of: work done on, heat added to, and change in energy content of the system.
Relevant Equations
W= integral (P dV), dU = Q + W
Homework Statement: A PV diagram shows an isobaric expansion, I'm asked to know the signs of: work done on, heat added to, and change in energy content of the system.
Homework Equations: W= integral (P dV), dU = Q + W

Since this is an expansion, the system does work on the surrounding and therefore the work done on the system is -ve.
Also, to preserve a constant pressure, heat has to be added, therefore heat added is +ve.

The energy content(dU) is the sum of those too, and since the process is isobaric not adiabatic, dU has a value.
How can I know whether it is negative or positive?
 
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  • #2
What expression do you know for dU that involves the temperature change dT?
 
  • #3
diaaa2 said:
The energy content(dU) is the sum of those too, and since the process is isobaric not adiabatic, dU has a value.
You should really write either ##dU = dQ + dW##, if you're dealing with infinitesimal quantities, or ##\Delta U = Q + W##, if not. I'll assume you really meant ##\Delta U##, not ##dU##.

##\Delta U## is always going to have some value which depends only on where you start and where you end up, not the process, since ##U## is state variable.

Did you mean ##\Delta U## won't be 0? That claim would be true for both isobaric and adiabatic processes, so your logic doesn't make sense.
 

1. How is the energy content of an isobaric process defined?

The energy content of an isobaric process is the amount of energy that is transferred into or out of a system during the process while the pressure remains constant. This can be calculated by multiplying the change in volume by the constant pressure.

2. What causes a change in energy content during an isobaric process?

The change in energy content during an isobaric process is caused by the addition or removal of heat from the system. When heat is added, the system gains energy and its energy content increases. When heat is removed, the system loses energy and its energy content decreases.

3. How does the energy content change in an isobaric expansion?

In an isobaric expansion, the system is doing work on its surroundings by expanding while the pressure remains constant. This results in a decrease in the energy content of the system since work is being done on the surroundings and energy is being transferred out of the system.

4. What is the relationship between temperature and energy content in an isobaric process?

In an isobaric process, the temperature and energy content have a direct relationship. As the temperature of the system increases, so does its energy content. Conversely, as the temperature decreases, the energy content also decreases.

5. Can the energy content remain constant during an isobaric process?

No, the energy content cannot remain constant during an isobaric process. This is because the process involves a change in volume, and in order to maintain a constant pressure, there must be a corresponding change in energy content due to the addition or removal of heat.

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