Going Crazy: Solving an Isobaric Process Problem

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves an isobaric process where an ideal gas is compressed at a constant pressure of 2.0 atm, transitioning from a volume of 10.0 L to 2.0 L. The heat lost during this process is given, and the task is to determine the change in internal energy of the gas.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the calculation of work done during the compression and the implications of heat loss on internal energy. There are questions about the signs of work and heat in the internal energy equation.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on the signs of heat and work, while others have pointed out potential calculation errors. There is an ongoing exploration of the correct approach to the problem, with differing interpretations of the equations involved.

Contextual Notes

There are discrepancies in the understanding of pressure units and their conversion, as well as confusion regarding the signs of heat and work in the context of the problem. Participants are working with the constraints of their current understanding and the material provided by their instructor.

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This problem is going to make me go crazy...

4. In the figure below, an ideal gas is slowly compressed at a constant pressure of 2.0 atm from 10.0 L to 2.0 L. This process is represented as the path B to D. In this process, some heat flows out and the temperature drops. If the heat lost from the gas in the process BD is 3.53E3 J, what is the change in internal energy of the gas?

Ok... all i have so far is since the pressure remains constant, it's an isobaric process. Therefore i have to calculate work.
W=(2E5)(.01-.002)
W=1600 J Now is it positive or negative?
Then i know next step is the change in internal energy
U=Q-W
Since the heat is lost from the gas is it negative 3.53E3?
U=(3.53E3)-(-1600)
Now i do not get the right answer... someone please explain why? thanks.
 
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1atm = 101.325 kPa,

not 2E5.

Does your book say 5.1512KJ?
 
HEAT LOST from the GAS is Negative
HEAT SUPPLIED To the gas is POSITIVE
Work Done on the Gas is POSITIVE(Means Compress gas)
Work done by the gas is NEGATIVE(Means Expand Gas)

Internal Energy = Work DOne + Heat
Internal Energy = Kinetic Enery + Potential energy

Hope this helps
 
My equation sheet says 1atm=1E5 Pa, so since i had 2 atm its therefore 2E5. But anyway i figured it out.
W=(2E5)(.002-.01)
W= -1600
Then the internal energy equation
U=-(3.53E3)-(-1600)
U=-1930J
Now i did get this right on my webassign but i kinda have the understanding of why the Q was negative so was the W. Ah w/e teacher hasnt taught us this... I am just trying to get ahead.
 
I would redo your caculation, it is incorrect.
 

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