Does Mass Occupying Volume in a Compressed Air System Transfer Energy

In summary, when a suspended mass with 10 cubic meters volume is released in a compressed air space with a pressure vessel of 20 atm, its potential energy is converted to kinetic energy. The air pressure inside the vessel keeps the water at bay, but when the mass falls and impacts the water, the water level rises. The pressure inside the vessel does not decrease by 10 cubic meters times 20 atm, as the volume of air remains constant. The energy inside the closed space can be expressed as 10 cubic meters times 20 atm minus air resistance, and this idea can be written mathematically. Overall, the volume of air stays the same before and after the mass goes underwater, and the surface of the water only rises due
  • #1
genergy
21
0
In a compressed air space there is a suspended mass with 10 cubic meters volume. The pressure vessel is 20 atm. The suspended mass is suspended 100 meters over water that is kept at bay by the air pressure inside the vessel.

The moment the mass is released its potential energy converts to kinetic energy.

There is a door that closes off the 10 cubic meters of volume space so that there is 20 atm of pressure inside (E=PV).

The mass falls and impacts the water and submerges.
The water level rises.

Does the pressure inside the vessel decrease by 10m3 x 20 atm?

Is the PV energy inside the closed space equal to 10m3 x 20 atm minus air resistance?

Can this be written in math?
Can this idea be expressed mathematically?
 
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  • #2
genergy said:
In a compressed air space there is a suspended mass with 10 cubic meters volume. The pressure vessel is 20 atm. The suspended mass is suspended 100 meters over water that is kept at bay by the air pressure inside the vessel.

The moment the mass is released its potential energy converts to kinetic energy.

There is a door that closes off the 10 cubic meters of volume space so that there is 20 atm of pressure inside (E=PV).

The mass falls and impacts the water and submerges.
The water level rises.

Does the pressure inside the vessel decrease by 10m3 x 20 atm?

Is the PV energy inside the closed space equal to 10m3 x 20 atm minus air resistance?

Can this be written in math?
Can this idea be expressed mathematically?

The water will not be kept "at bay" by the air if there is no gravity. Think of what happens to water in the Space Shuttle or Space Station in orbit...

And if this experiment is carried out on the surface of the Earth, the volume of the air stays the same before and after the mass goes underwater. The surface of the water only rises because of the volume of the mass that is submerged, so the total volume of the water + object is constant.
 
  • #3
What berkeman said. The volume of air stays the same. You just traded the volume occupied by the mass (10cubic meters) for the volume occupied by the water (10 cubic meters).

The mass had some PE which was converted to KE and then to heat when it hit the water so I suppose the water warmed slightly.
 

1. How does mass occupying volume in a compressed air system transfer energy?

In a compressed air system, energy is transferred through the compression of air molecules. When air is compressed, the molecules are forced closer together, increasing the potential energy of the system. This energy can then be used to power tools or machines.

2. What is the relationship between mass and volume in a compressed air system?

In a compressed air system, the mass and volume of air are inversely related. As the volume of the system decreases, the mass of air within it increases due to the compression of the molecules.

3. Can mass occupying volume in a compressed air system be converted into other forms of energy?

Yes, the compressed air within the system can be converted into other forms of energy, such as mechanical or electrical energy, through the use of tools or machines powered by the compressed air.

4. Is mass occupying volume in a compressed air system a renewable source of energy?

No, mass occupying volume in a compressed air system is not considered a renewable source of energy. The energy used to compress the air typically comes from non-renewable sources, such as fossil fuels.

5. Are there any potential drawbacks to using mass occupying volume in a compressed air system for energy transfer?

One potential drawback is the loss of energy due to heat generated during compression. This heat can lead to inefficiencies in the system and reduce the overall energy output. Additionally, the storage and transportation of compressed air can be challenging and may require specialized equipment.

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