Free expansion of a real gas vs Joule-Thomson effect

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SUMMARY

The discussion clarifies the distinction between the free expansion of a real gas and the Joule-Thomson (J-T) effect. In free expansion, an ideal gas experiences no temperature change due to constant internal energy, while a real gas undergoes temperature variation due to intermolecular forces. The J-T effect, characterized by temperature changes during gas expansion at constant enthalpy, is fundamentally different from free expansion. The equations provided, including the J-T coefficient derived from the enthalpy equation, illustrate the thermodynamic principles governing these phenomena.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of thermodynamic principles, specifically the first law of thermodynamics.
  • Familiarity with the concepts of internal energy and enthalpy.
  • Knowledge of the Joule-Thomson effect and its coefficient.
  • Basic grasp of ideal versus real gases and their behaviors during expansion.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the Joule-Thomson coefficient from the equation dH = (dH/dp)dp + (dH/dT)dT.
  • Explore the implications of intermolecular forces in real gases during free expansion.
  • Investigate the differences between closed and open systems in thermodynamics.
  • Examine practical applications of the Joule-Thomson effect in refrigeration and gas liquefaction.
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Students and professionals in thermodynamics, chemical engineering, and physical chemistry, particularly those studying gas behavior and thermodynamic processes.

pacgcrosss
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I am writing a document on the Joule-Thomson effect. But in my research for it I have come across something that I am not completely clear on. In my document I explained the free expansion of an ideal gas and am trying to transition/segue into the Joule-Thomson effect. However now I am having trouble differentiating between the two (free expansion and J-T effect).

I understand that there is no change of temperature in the free expansion of an ideal gas because the internal energy does not change and the internal energy of an ideal gas is solely a function of temperature, therefore temperature doesn't change

But what about the free expansion of a real gas? The existence of inter molecular forces in a real gas means that the temperature will change. Can someone explain to me how this is different from the Joule-Thomson effect? Or are they essentially the same and the free expansion of a real gas will inevitably produce the Joule-Thomson effect?

Any clarification is much appreciated!
 
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pacgcrosss said:
I am writing a document on the Joule-Thomson effect. But in my research for it I have come across something that I am not completely clear on. In my document I explained the free expansion of an ideal gas and am trying to transition/segue into the Joule-Thomson effect. However now I am having trouble differentiating between the two (free expansion and J-T effect).

I understand that there is no change of temperature in the free expansion of an ideal gas because the internal energy does not change and the internal energy of an ideal gas is solely a function of temperature, therefore temperature doesn't change

But what about the free expansion of a real gas? The existence of inter molecular forces in a real gas means that the temperature will change. Can someone explain to me how this is different from the Joule-Thomson effect? Or are they essentially the same and the free expansion of a real gas will inevitably produce the Joule-Thomson effect?

Any clarification is much appreciated!
The starting equations to use for the two-chamber JT effect and the porous plug JT effect are as follows:
$$dU=C_VdT-\left[P-T\left(\frac{\partial P}{\partial T}\right)_V\right]dV$$
and $$dH=C_PdT+\left[V-T\left(\frac{\partial V}{\partial T}\right)_P\right]dP$$
Are you familiar with these equations?
 
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I am not unfortunately. I assume these are the ones that can be derived from closed and open forms (respectively) of the first law of thermodynamics? I think I can see how I can work with the dH equation to get the formula for dT/dP which is defined as the J-T coefficient.

edit: just checked that the form for the J-T coefficient got from your second formula is correct.
I was able to get the same J-T formula from dH = (dH/dp)dp + (dH/dT)dT. Is this formula and the one you showed me equivalent?
 
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pacgcrosss said:
I am not unfortunately. I assume these are the ones that can be derived from closed and open forms (respectively) of the first law of thermodynamics? I think I can see how I can work with the dH equation to get the formula for dT/dP which is defined as the J-T coefficient.

edit: just checked that the form for the J-T coefficient got from your second formula is correct.
Actually, these equations were derived from $$dU=TdS-PdV$$and$$dH=TdS+VdP$$. The closed system version of the first law of thermodynamics is used to show that, for the two-chamber system, $$\Delta U=0$$ The open system version of the first law of thermodynamics issued to show that, for the porous plug continuous flow system, $$\Delta H=0$$where, in this case H is the enthalpy permit mass of gas passing through the plug.

Now, for free expansion. In the two-chamber situation, if the volume of the 2nd (vacuum) chamber is made very large, you approach free expansion. I don't quite know how to relate the porous plug system to free expansion.
 
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