Deriving First Law of Thermo Equations

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on deriving the First Law of Thermodynamics equations in terms of pressure (P1 and P2) for an ideal gas. Key equations include the ideal gas law, \( PV = RT \), and the relationships \( dQ = C_{v}dT + RTV^{-1}dV \) and \( dQ = C_{p}dT - RTP^{-1}dP \). The user seeks clarity on transitioning from \( PdV \) to \( dP \) and how to express work done by the gas, leading to the conclusion that \( dW = RdT - RTdP/P \) is essential for understanding these thermodynamic relationships.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the First Law of Thermodynamics
  • Familiarity with ideal gas behavior and equations
  • Knowledge of differential calculus applied to thermodynamic equations
  • Concept of specific heat capacities \( C_{v} \) and \( C_{p} \)
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the ideal gas law and its implications in thermodynamics
  • Learn about the relationship between specific heat capacities \( C_{v} \) and \( C_{p} \)
  • Explore the concept of work done in thermodynamic processes, particularly \( dW = PdV \)
  • Investigate the application of the differential form of the First Law of Thermodynamics in real-world scenarios
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in physics and engineering, particularly those studying thermodynamics, as well as anyone looking to deepen their understanding of energy transfer in ideal gases.

mortalapeman
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Homework Statement



This is really just a question that I can't seem to find a good solution for in my book. Basically I'm trying to understand for the first law of thermodynamics how you can derive the equation in term of P1 and P2. I don't understand how to go from PdV to (something)dP. This assuming we are dealing with an ideal gas.

Homework Equations



$ PV = RT $

$ C_{v} = C_{p} - R

$ \Delta U = Q + W $

$ W = -PdV$

$ dQ = C_{v}dT + RTV^{-1}dV $

$ W = -PdV = -RTV^{-1}dV = -RT \ln \left ( V_{1}/V_{2} \right ) = RT \ln \left ( P_{2}/ P_{1} \right ) $

The Attempt at a Solution



I understand how to get to:

$ dQ = C_{v}dT + RTV^{-1}dV $

and there is another equation in my book that is:

$ dQ = C_{p}dT - RTP^{-1}dP $

with work equal to:

$ dW = -RdT + RTP^{-1}dP $

And its getting to those equations that i don't understand how to do. Any help in the right direction would be appreciated :)
 
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mortalapeman said:
I understand how to get to:

$ dQ = C_{v}dT + RTV^{-1}dV $

and there is another equation in my book that is:

$ dQ = C_{p}dT - RTP^{-1}dP $

with work equal to:

$ dW = -RdT + RTP^{-1}dP $

And its getting to those equations that i don't understand how to do. Any help in the right direction would be appreciated :)
Start with:

PV = RT (we will assume n=1)

Differentiate with respect to T:

d(PV)/dT = R = P(dV/dT) + V(dP/dT)

So: RdT = PdV + VdP = dW + VdP

Which means that: dW = RdT - VdP = RdT - RTdP/P

AM
 
Andrew Mason said:
Start with:

PV = RT (we will assume n=1)

Differentiate with respect to T:

d(PV)/dT = R = P(dV/dT) + V(dP/dT)

So: RdT = PdV + VdP = dW + VdP

Which means that: dW = RdT - VdP = RdT - RTdP/P

AM

Thanks so much for clearing that up for me. These things always seem to be so simple, can't believe I didn't see that xD
 
mortalapeman said:
Thanks so much for clearing that up for me. These things always seem to be so simple, can't believe I didn't see that xD
Note: I am using dW as the work done BY the gas. I see you are using dW is the work done ON the gas, so dW = -PdV. Most texts now use dW = PdV. It is much less confusing.

AM
 

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