ΔU, Q, W of thermodynamic process

In summary, the conversation discusses a monatomic ideal gas undergoing a thermodynamic process and how to determine whether ΔU, Q, and W are positive, negative, or zero. The solution involves calculating ΔU and looking at the PV diagram to determine the signs of Q and W. There is also a discussion about drawing adiabats to determine Q from the graph. It is noted that there is a difference in how physicists and chemists define W.
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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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  • #2
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.
 
  • #3
DrClaude said:
draw adiabats
how we draw them? do you mean to draw hyperbolas passing through them?
 
  • #4
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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FAQ: ΔU, Q, W of thermodynamic process

1. What is the definition of ΔU, Q, and W in thermodynamics?

ΔU, Q, and W are all terms used in thermodynamics to describe different aspects of a thermodynamic process. ΔU refers to the change in internal energy of a system, Q refers to the heat added or removed from a system, and W refers to the work done on or by a system.

2. How are ΔU, Q, and W related in a thermodynamic process?

According to the first law of thermodynamics, ΔU = Q - W, meaning that the change in internal energy of a system is equal to the heat added or removed from the system minus the work done on or by the system.

3. What is the difference between Q and W in a thermodynamic process?

Q and W both describe energy transfer in a thermodynamic process, but they refer to different types of energy transfer. Q refers to heat transfer, which is the transfer of thermal energy due to a temperature difference. W refers to work, which is the transfer of energy due to a force acting over a distance.

4. Can Q and W have the same value in a thermodynamic process?

Yes, it is possible for Q and W to have the same value in a thermodynamic process. This would occur in an isothermal process, where the temperature remains constant and no change in internal energy occurs. In this case, Q and W would both be equal to zero.

5. How do the signs of Q and W indicate the direction of energy transfer in a thermodynamic process?

The sign of Q indicates the direction of heat transfer, with a positive sign indicating heat added to the system and a negative sign indicating heat removed from the system. The sign of W indicates the direction of work done, with a positive sign indicating work done on the system and a negative sign indicating work done by the system.

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