ΔU, Q, W of thermodynamic process

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the thermodynamic process of a monatomic ideal gas, analyzing the values of ΔU, Q, and W. The user concludes that ΔU is zero due to no change in temperature, leading to the equation 0 = Q - W, which implies Q and W are both negative. The conversation also highlights the difference in definitions of work (W) between physicists and chemists, noting that physicists define W as work done by the gas, while chemists define it as work done on the gas. The user seeks confirmation of their calculations and alternative methods to determine Q from the PV graph.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the first law of thermodynamics (ΔU = Q - W)
  • Familiarity with PV diagrams and the concept of work in thermodynamics
  • Knowledge of adiabatic processes and how to draw adiabats
  • Basic principles of ideal gas behavior (PV = nRT)
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the implications of the first law of thermodynamics in different contexts
  • Learn how to calculate work done in thermodynamic processes using integrals
  • Explore the differences between physicists' and chemists' definitions of work in thermodynamics
  • Investigate the characteristics and applications of adiabatic processes in thermodynamics
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in physics and chemistry, particularly those studying thermodynamics, as well as educators looking for insights into common misconceptions regarding work and energy in gas processes.

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Homework Statement


A monatomic ideal gas undergoes the thermodynamic process shown in the PV diagram. Determine whether each of the values ΔU, Q, and W for the gas is positive, negative, or zero.
upload_2016-11-3_7-41-47.png

Homework Equations


ΔU=Q-W
W=integral under the curve
PV=nRT T=PV/nR

The Attempt at a Solution


direction is negative then the integral negative then work is negative
ΔU depends on change in temp, and here pressure increases and volume decreases so it was Ti=P0x2V0/nR and at final it becomes Tf=2P0xV0/nR Tf=Ti then it stays the same no change in temp then ΔU =0
therefore 0=Q-W Q=W but W negative then Q also negative
Is that correct? I need only to check my answer...
and is there any other way to determine Q from Graph (without looking at W or ΔU) ?
 
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Any Help said:
Is that correct? I need only to check my answer...
Yes.

Any Help said:
and is there any other way to determine Q from Graph (without looking at W or ΔU) ?
You could draw adiabats, one passing through point ##2V_0,P_0## and one through point ##V_0,2P_0##, and see if you are going closer to the origin (##Q<0##) or farther away from the origin (##Q>0##), but it is easier to calculate it as you did.
 
DrClaude said:
draw adiabats
how we draw them? do you mean to draw hyperbolas passing through them?
 
I mean that you draw the curves ##P = V^{-\gamma}## that pass through the given points.
 
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Careful with how W is defined. Physicists usually take W as the work done BY the gas, which is what you did & that's correct.

But chemists often (or usually?) take W as the work done ON the gas in which case your W would be positive and the 1st law would read ΔU = Q + W.
 
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