Free expansion of a real gas vs Joule-Thomson effect

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the differences and similarities between the free expansion of real gases and the Joule-Thomson (J-T) effect. Participants explore the implications of intermolecular forces in real gases and how these relate to temperature changes during free expansion, as well as the thermodynamic equations relevant to the J-T effect.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes that in the free expansion of an ideal gas, temperature remains constant due to unchanged internal energy, while questioning how this differs for real gases.
  • Another participant suggests that the presence of intermolecular forces in real gases leads to temperature changes during free expansion, prompting a comparison to the J-T effect.
  • There is uncertainty about whether free expansion of a real gas is essentially the same as the J-T effect, with a request for clarification on this point.
  • Participants discuss specific thermodynamic equations related to the J-T effect, including expressions for changes in internal energy and enthalpy.
  • One participant expresses familiarity with deriving the J-T coefficient from the enthalpy equation, while another confirms the correctness of their derivation.
  • There is an exploration of how the two-chamber system approaches free expansion as the volume of the second chamber increases, but uncertainty remains about relating the porous plug system to free expansion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on whether the free expansion of a real gas and the Joule-Thomson effect are fundamentally the same or different, indicating ongoing debate and exploration of the topic.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference specific thermodynamic equations and concepts, but there is no resolution on the assumptions or definitions that may affect the discussion, particularly regarding the relationship between free expansion and the J-T effect.

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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