Energy and first law thermodynamics help

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around preparing for a thermodynamics exam, specifically focusing on the first law of thermodynamics, energy calculations, and problem-solving strategies for closed and open systems. Participants share their experiences and suggestions regarding study methods and problem-solving approaches.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses difficulty in understanding how to approach thermodynamics problems and seeks guidance on effective study methods.
  • Another participant suggests that practice problems are essential after grasping the fundamentals, implying that understanding the underlying concepts is crucial.
  • A participant proposes a systematic approach to solving problems, including drawing diagrams, identifying known parameters, and writing relevant equations, indicating that the exam questions are solvable with the right methods.
  • There is a reiteration of the need to understand what the questions are asking and to identify the appropriate equations to use, highlighting a common struggle among participants.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the best approach to studying or solving the problems, as some express confusion while others provide differing strategies. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the most effective methods for tackling the exam questions.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention specific types of problems and the importance of understanding the fundamentals, but there is no agreement on the specific equations or methods that should be prioritized. The discussion reflects varying levels of confidence and understanding among participants.

civilengoo
Messages
4
Reaction score
0
Hey guys,
Have a thermodynamics exam coming in the next few days up based on the following topics. Energy and first law, Thermodynamic properties, First law: closed systems, First law: open systems/specific heat. When I have taken a look at the past exams it has been all calculations and therefore I won't need to worry about learning specific definitions. However, I'm having a really hard time getting my head around all of these questions and I literally have no clue where to start. Since the exam will be primarily calculation based (like the questions shown below) is there any process too going about these problems that will literally work for any question? I'll literally do anything if someone can fully teach me how to learn this stuff.
Thanks

 
Engineering news on Phys.org
You need to do practice problems (after understanding the fundamentals outlined in your text). Are you saying that you don't know how to solve the two sample problems you showed?
 
civilengoo said:
is there any process too going about these problems that will literally work for any question?

Sure there is.

Draw a picture , or annotate the one they gave you.
Then ask yourself
"What parameters did they give me a number for?"
"What equation do i know that uses those parameters?"
Write those equations out with the numbers they gave you
and you'll see that whoever wrote the test question wants you to use the equations.

Both questions look easily solvable to me
first question gives volume and pressure of fluid and fraction of it that's vapor so you know masses of liquid and vapor, and from steam table their respective energy contents

second one gives a mass flow rate and temperatures hence rate of energy transfer, and you know energy is conserved,

so where's the problem?

old jim
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: russ_watters and Asymptotic
Chestermiller said:
You need to do practice problems (after understanding the fundamentals outlined in your text). Are you saying that you don't know how to solve the two sample problems you showed?
Yes, I have no clue the process of going about either of these problems.
 
jim hardy said:
Sure there is.

Draw a picture , or annotate the one they gave you.
Then ask yourself
"What parameters did they give me a number for?"
"What equation do i know that uses those parameters?"
Write those equations out with the numbers they gave you
and you'll see that whoever wrote the test question wants you to use the equations.

Both questions look easily solvable to me
first question gives volume and pressure of fluid and fraction of it that's vapor so you know masses of liquid and vapor, and from steam table their respective energy contents

second one gives a mass flow rate and temperatures hence rate of energy transfer, and you know energy is conserved,

so where's the problem?

old jim
I just have a hard time thinking of the respective equations I should be using, and what exactly the question is asking
 
Thread locked.

At the PF, you are requred to post homework-type questions (including study questions) in the Homework Help forums, and not in the technical forums.

You are also required to post your best efforts at solving the problems. Just saying "I have no idea, teach me" is not allowed here.

Please repost one question at a time in the HH forums, and show the Relevant Equations and your best efforts at the solution. That is how you will do the best and learn the best as a student. Thank you.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Asymptotic and jim hardy

Similar threads

  • · Replies 46 ·
2
Replies
46
Views
7K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
3K
Replies
23
Views
3K
  • · Replies 77 ·
3
Replies
77
Views
6K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
4K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 0 ·
Replies
0
Views
2K