General Chemistry - Heat, Work, Enthelpy, Entropy Question

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the thermodynamic properties of water during the phase change from vapor to liquid at 95°C and 1.00 atm. The participant seeks clarification on why the assumption that ΔE = 0 and q = -w is incorrect, despite the system maintaining constant temperature. Key equations referenced include q = nCΔT, ΔH = n(Cp)ΔT, and W = -PΔV. The participant's confusion arises from the discrepancy between the condensation point of water at 100°C and the observed condensation at 95°C.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of thermodynamic principles, specifically heat transfer and phase changes.
  • Familiarity with the concepts of enthalpy (ΔH) and entropy (ΔS).
  • Knowledge of specific heat capacities, particularly Cp of H2O(l) and H2O(g).
  • Ability to apply the first law of thermodynamics in practical scenarios.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the Clausius-Clapeyron equation to understand phase changes and vapor pressure.
  • Study the concept of latent heat and its role in phase transitions.
  • Learn about the Gibbs free energy and its relation to spontaneity in chemical processes.
  • Explore the differences between isothermal and adiabatic processes in thermodynamics.
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Chemistry students, educators, and anyone studying thermodynamics, particularly those interested in phase transitions and the properties of water.

modx07
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1. Assume that one mole of H2O(g) condenses to H2O(l) at 1.00atm and 95 celsius. Calculate q, w, ΔH, ΔS of the system, ΔS of surroundings. BUT I AM NOT ASKING HOW TO CALCULATE THESE VALUES, SEE LAST SENTENCE OF POST.

Homework Equations


q = nCΔT
ΔH = n(Cp)ΔT
W = -PΔV
ΔS = [q_reversible] / T

Cp of H2O(l) = 75.3 J / K*mol
Cp of H2O(g) = 36.4 J / K*mol
ΔH-vaporization of H2O @ 100 = 40.7 kJ / K*mol

The Attempt at a Solution



Basically, I have the solution but I don't understand why it's the case. When I asked my TA, he said that the condensation is actually occurring at 95 celsius, which confused me right off the bat since I knew that at 1atm, the condensation point should be 100 degrees.

Regardless, I thought that the step that was occurring should be simply:

H2O (g) -> H2O (l) @ 95 degrees.

Thus, I thought that since the system stays at the same temperature, then ΔE = 0 and that q = -w. However, this assumption is wrong. I am simply asking why this is wrong (and not to calculate the values).
 
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Take this a point of discuss and not a solution, because I'm learning the same thing as we speak.

Since

ΔE = qv + w = nCvΔT + (-PextΔV)

and there is no change in volume, isn't it true that

ΔE = qv = nCvΔT

?
 

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