Gas Cycle Process; Adiabatic, Isovolumetric and Isothermal

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the gas cycle process involving a monatomic gas undergoing adiabatic expansion, isovolumetric heating, and isothermal compression. Key equations derived include P2 = P1 / (2^γ) with γ = 5/3, and the need to find expressions for P3 in terms of P1. The participants emphasize the importance of using the ideal gas law and the isothermal work equation W = nRT*ln(vi/vf) to derive the necessary relationships between pressures and temperatures throughout the cycle.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of thermodynamic processes: adiabatic, isovolumetric, and isothermal.
  • Familiarity with the ideal gas law and its applications.
  • Knowledge of the specific heat ratio (γ) for monatomic gases.
  • Ability to manipulate equations involving pressure, volume, and temperature.
NEXT STEPS
  • Derive expressions for P3 in terms of P1 using the ideal gas law.
  • Explore the implications of the isothermal work equation in thermodynamic cycles.
  • Investigate the differences between engines and refrigerators in thermodynamic terms.
  • Study the graphical representation of the gas cycle on a pV diagram.
USEFUL FOR

Students studying thermodynamics, physics enthusiasts, and anyone interested in understanding the principles of gas cycles and their applications in engines and refrigeration systems.

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Homework Statement



A monatomic gas has V1 P1 and T1 (volume pressure and temp) at state 1
The gas then goes through the following process

adiabatic expansion to stage 2 (exapands to twice its volume)
isovolumetric heating so it gets back to T1; stage 3
isothermal compression back to intial state


Homework Equations


- Sketch on pV diagram? (done this)
- derive expressions for P2 and P3 (in terms of p1 and \gamma) ?
- derive expressions for T2 and T3 (in terms of T1 and \gamma)?

- expression for net work done in 1 cycle?
- is this an engine or refridgerator?


The Attempt at a Solution



i've managed to find

P2 = P1 / (2^\gamma)
and that \gamma = 5/3

The 2 questions in bold are the ones really stressing me out; if someone could please put up some solutions or just point me in the right way that would be great :)
Thanks
 
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Can you find p3 in terms of p1? What is the equation for an isotherm? Use it the same way you used the adiabatic equation to find the relation between the two pressures. Once you have p2 and p3 in terms of p1, use the ideal gas Law to get the temperatures.
 
The isotherm eqn; W = nRT*ln(vi/vf)
where vi = v1 and vf = v3?
 
That's the work for an isothermal process. How about p1V1=p3V3? A straightforward result of the ideal gas law.
 
Ah ofcourse :| .. Sounds like me to over think the simple(correct) answer

Thank you :)
- i'll post on here if i can't figure the rest
 
Last edited:

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