Deriving First Law of Thermo Equations

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around deriving equations related to the first law of thermodynamics, specifically in the context of an ideal gas. The original poster seeks clarity on transitioning from the expression involving pressure and volume differentials to a formulation in terms of pressure changes.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss differentiating the ideal gas law and relate it to work done during gas expansion or compression. There are attempts to clarify the relationships between differentials of pressure and volume, as well as the implications of using different conventions for work done by or on the gas.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided insights into the differentiation process and the relationships between various thermodynamic quantities. There is an acknowledgment of differing conventions regarding work, but no consensus has been reached on the best approach to derive the desired equations.

Contextual Notes

The original poster notes confusion regarding the transition from one form of the equation to another, indicating a need for deeper understanding of the underlying principles. There is also mention of differing conventions in the literature regarding the sign of work done.

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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