Find equation for thermodynamic process

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the equation for a thermodynamic process where the specific heat of a gas is defined by a given equation involving pressure and a constant. Participants are exploring the implications of the specific heat definition and its relation to the first law of thermodynamics.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to clarify the meaning of the specific heat variable C and whether it refers to specific heat at constant pressure or volume. There are questions about the role of the coefficient α and its units. Some participants are discussing the application of the first law of thermodynamics and how to express work done in the process.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active with multiple interpretations being explored regarding the specific heat capacity and its application in the context of the first law of thermodynamics. Some participants have provided guidance on how to approach the problem, but there is no explicit consensus on the next steps or final outcomes.

Contextual Notes

There are indications of confusion regarding the definitions and units of specific heat and the coefficient α, which may affect the understanding of the problem. Participants are also considering simplifications, such as assuming a mass of one for ease of calculation.

utkarshakash
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Homework Statement


Find the equation of the thermodynamic process in which specific heat of the gas is given by

[itex]C=\dfrac{R}{\gamma -1} + \alpha P[/itex]

The Attempt at a Solution



I can write

[itex]C=C_v + \alpha P[/itex]

But I don't know how to proceed ahead. What does C mean here? Is it specific heat capacity at constant pressure or volume? Any help is appreciated.
 
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utkarshakash said:

Homework Statement


Find the equation of the thermodynamic process in which specific heat of the gas is given by

[itex]C=\dfrac{R}{\gamma -1} + \alpha P[/itex]


The Attempt at a Solution



I can write

[itex]C=C_v + \alpha P[/itex]

But I don't know how to proceed ahead. What does C mean here? Is it specific heat capacity at constant pressure or volume? Any help is appreciated.
Is α supposed to be the coefficient of volumetric thermal expansion? Because, if it is, it's units are wrong.

Chet
 
Chestermiller said:
Is α supposed to be the coefficient of volumetric thermal expansion? Because, if it is, it's units are wrong.

Chet

No. It's a positive constant.
 
Hi utkarshakash

utkarshakash said:
I can write

[itex]C=C_v + \alpha P[/itex]

Correct...

utkarshakash said:
But I don't know how to proceed ahead. What does C mean here? Is it specific heat capacity at constant pressure or volume? Any help is appreciated.

C is the specific heat capacity of the process .It is neither of the two (i.e at constant pressure or volume ) .It is not that the heat capacity has to be either CP or CV .

Apply the first law of thermodynamics .
 
Tanya Sharma said:
Hi utkarshakash



Correct...



C is the specific heat capacity of the process .It is neither of the two (i.e at constant pressure or volume ) .It is not that the heat capacity has to be either CP or CV .

Apply the first law of thermodynamics .

I get
[itex]m(C_v + \alpha P) dT = nC_vdT + \int P dV[/itex]

where m=mass of gas
How do I calculate the work done in the process?
 
utkarshakash said:
[itex]m(C_v + \alpha P) dT = nC_vdT + \int P dV[/itex]

where m=mass of gas

I think it should be

nCdT = nCVdT + pdV

Write Cv in terms of C and take n =1 for sake of simplicity.
 
Tanya Sharma said:
I think it should be

nCdT = nCVdT + pdV

Write Cv in terms of C and take n =1 for sake of simplicity.

But ΔQ=nCΔT is valid only when C=Cp. In general ΔQ=mCΔT
 
utkarshakash said:
But ΔQ=nCΔT is valid only when C=Cp. In general ΔQ=mCΔT

:rolleyes:

ΔQ=nCΔT is applicable in every process.
 
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Tanya Sharma said:
:rolleyes:

ΔQ=nCΔT is applicable in every process.

Thanks. I got the correct answer.
 

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