Compression and Expansion of a Volume of Air

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the compression and expansion of a volume of air, specifically analyzing the changes in pressure and temperature during these processes. Participants are working through a homework problem involving the application of the equation \( pV^{1.3} = c \) and the ideal gas law, with a focus on understanding the implications of compression ratios and isothermal expansion.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants clarify that the compression ratio is defined as the initial volume divided by the final volume, not the other way around.
  • There is a discussion about the correct application of the equation \( pV^{1.3} = c \) during the compression process, with some participants suggesting that temperature changes during compression.
  • One participant calculates the final volume after compression as \( 0.015 \, m^3 \) based on the compression ratio.
  • There are conflicting views on whether the temperature remains constant during compression, with some asserting that it does not change while others suggest using the ideal gas law to find the final temperature.
  • Participants attempt to calculate the final pressure after compression using the provided equation, with varying results and some corrections being made along the way.
  • There is confusion regarding the calculation of the number of moles, with some participants misidentifying volume as mass and needing clarification on the correct approach.
  • The final temperature after compression is calculated by one participant using the ideal gas law, leading to a value expressed in Kelvin.
  • The discussion also touches on the implications of isothermal expansion, with participants debating the relationship between pressure and volume under constant temperature conditions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally do not reach consensus on several aspects, including the treatment of temperature during compression, the calculation of final pressure, and the interpretation of the ideal gas law. Multiple competing views remain throughout the discussion.

Contextual Notes

Some calculations presented are based on assumptions that may not have been explicitly stated, such as the treatment of air as an ideal gas and the specific conditions under which the equations apply. There are unresolved mathematical steps and potential errors in the application of formulas.

  • #31
Ben_Walker1978 said:
(b) Inversely proportional to the volume.
So, if the pressure is inversely proportional to the volume and you know the initial and final volumes, and the initial pressure, what is the final volume?
 
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  • #32
Ben_Walker1978 said:
I have done some revising and found the equation.

$$T = Q - W$$

This is for Temperature constant.

Am i correct?
No.
 
  • #33
Is the final pressure 800000 Pa.

I done $$P1V1 = P2V2$$
 
  • #34
Ben_Walker1978 said:
Is the final pressure 800000 Pa.

I done $$P1V1 = P2V2$$
This is not correct. You started Step 2 with a pressure of 14.9 bars, and you increased the volume at constant temperature.
 
  • #35
The volume at constant temperature was 0.12. So is both the volumes 0.12?
 
  • #36
Ben_Walker1978 said:
The volume at constant temperature was 0.12. So is both the volumes 0.12?
No. During Step 1, the temperature got higher, and it stayed at this value during step 2.
 
  • #37
Yes the temperature got to 542.99 Kelvin.

But i don't know what equation to use.
 
  • #38
Ben_Walker1978 said:
Yes the temperature got to 542.99 Kelvin.

But i don't know what equation to use.
You already guessed the correct equation to use. in post #13. But, you used the wrong initial pressure, and you applied the equation incorrectly.
 
  • #39
$$pV^{1.3}=c$$

So change it to
$$P2 = \frac{p1v1^{1.3}}{V2^{1.3}}$$
 
  • #40
Ben_Walker1978 said:
$$pV^{1.3}=c$$

So change it to
$$P2 = \frac{p1v1^{1.3}}{V2^{1.3}}$$
P2=14.9/8=1.86 bars
 
  • #41
So final pressure is 1.86 bars?

I over complicated the equation for final pressure then.
 
  • #42
How does this look to you??

i)
Pressure after Compression Ratio =

Volume after compression = $$\frac {Volume}{Compession Ratio} = \frac{0.12}{8} = 0.015$$
Volume after compression = $$0.015m^3$$
$$P1f (V1f)^{1.3} = P1i (V1i)^{1.3}$$
$$P1i = 100000$$
$$V1i = 0.12m^3$$
$$V1f = 0.015m^3$$

$$P1f (0.015)^{1.3} = (100000)(0.12)^{1.3}$$
$$100000 x 0.12^{1.3} = 6352.367569$$
$$6352.367569 / 0.015 = 1492852.786$$
$$P1f = 1492852.786$$
$$(1492852.786)(0.015)^{1.3} = (100000)(0.12)^{1.3}$$

$$Pressure after compression = 1492852.786 Pa$$Temperature after compression=
$$ n = \frac{(100000)(0.12)}{(8.314)(273.2718)} = 4.96 mol$$
$$pV = nRT$$
$$T = \frac{pV}{nR}$$
$$T = \frac{(1492852.786)(0.015)}{(4.96)(8.31441)}$$
$$ 1492852.786 \times 0.015 = 22393.77321$$
$$22393.77321 / 41.239 = 542.99$$
$$ T = 542.99 Kelvin$$

The final pressure =

$$P2 =\frac{Pressure after compression}{Compression Ratio}$$
$$P2 = \frac{14.9}{8} = 1.86 Bar$$

The final pressure = 1.86 Bar
 
  • #43
Looks good.
 
  • #44
Good.

Thank you for all your help.

Really appreciate it.
 
  • #45
I have one more question.

Someone has told me for final pressure you don't divide by compression ratio.

Because i already divided my compression ration.

I have been told final pressure is wrong.

Are they right? Or is it correct?

Thanks.
 
  • #46
Ben_Walker1978 said:
I have one more question.

Someone has told me for final pressure you don't divide by compression ratio.

Because i already divided my compression ration.

I have been told final pressure is wrong.

Are they right? Or is it correct?

Thanks.
The "someone" who told you this is wrong (although you should know that without me having to tell you). The final pressure is correct. In the first step, you compressed the gas, and in the second step, the gas expanded. In the second step, you multiplied the volume from the first step to get you back to the original volume. Who is this "someone?"
 
  • #47
Thank you for your reply.

Someone who i work with.

So because the gas has expanded then you need to divided it by the compression ratio again?

I was just making sure. As when he said it confused me.
 
  • #48
Ben_Walker1978 said:
Thank you for your reply.

Someone who i work with.

So because the gas has expanded then you need to divided it by the compression ratio again?

I was just making sure. As when he said it confused me.
No. In the first part, you divided the volume by the compression ratio. In the 2nd part, you multiplied the volume by the compression ratio (and divided the pressure by the compression ratio). You are aware that there is a difference between dividing the volume by the compression ratio and dividing the pressure by the compression ratio, right?
 
  • #49
Yes now i understand.
 

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