First Law of Thermodynamics - easy q's

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around two problems related to the First Law of Thermodynamics. The first problem involves calculating the internal energy of a gas after adiabatic compression, while the second problem focuses on determining the work done by a gas expanding to six times its original volume under a specific pressure-volume relationship.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to apply the First Law of Thermodynamics to both problems but expresses confusion regarding unit conversions and the application of formulas. Participants question the correctness of unit conversions and suggest the need for calculus in the second problem.

Discussion Status

Some guidance has been offered regarding unit consistency and the need for calculus in the second problem. Participants are exploring the implications of their assumptions and calculations, but there is no explicit consensus on the solutions.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the importance of consistent units, particularly in the first problem where conversions from cm³ to m³ and pressure units are discussed. The second problem involves a relationship between pressure and volume that may require advanced mathematical techniques.

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Homework Statement



The internal energy of a gas is 600 J. The gas is compressed adiabatically, and its volume decreases by 400 cm3. If the pressure applied on the gas during compression is 4 atm, what is the internal energy of the gas after the adiabatic compression?

Homework Equations


Change Q = Change U + Change W

The Attempt at a Solution



Since it's adiabatic then change in Q = 0...

So it should be change U = - change W...
(Ufinal - Uinitial) = - (4*4) ----I also tried changing atm to pascals, but the answer is still wrong.

What am i doing wrong? Anyone please.

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Homework Statement



A gas has an initial volume of 7.05 m3. It is expanded to six times its original volume through a process for which P = αV3, with α = 4.00 N/m11. How much work is done by the expanding gas?

Homework Equations



W = P*delta V

The Attempt at a Solution



So P = 4*7.05^3 = 28.2

delta V = (Vfinal - Vinitial) = (7.05*6) - 7.05 = 35.25 m3

so W = 994.05 J. The correct answer is 3.20e6 J, but I don't understand what I'm doing wrong. Anyone please?
 
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hello,

in the first problem you are not converting cm^3 to m^3 correctly. and you do need to use Pa for pressure. you must be consistent with your units throughout any formula.

if i understand the second problem correctly, the volume and pressure are changing at the same time and are related by P = a*V^3 (i assume the 3 is an exponent). for this, one needs calculus.

W = \int_{V_1}^{V_2}{P}dV
 
Woah. Thank you so much. I guess I was just too hungry to think right =/.
 
cheers.
 

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