Heat Engine Problem: Q, Entropy, W, Change in Entropy of Universe

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the analysis of a reversible heat engine operating between two thermal reservoirs at temperatures T1 and T2, where T2 > T1. Key equations include Q = nCv(T2 - T1) for heat extraction and W = Qh - Qc for work done by the engine. The participants debate the change in entropy, concluding that while the heat engine is reversible, the change in entropy of the warmer reservoir is not zero due to the incomplete cycle during the time interval Δt. The final entropy change of the universe is also discussed, emphasizing the need for careful consideration of the parameters involved.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of thermodynamics principles, specifically the laws of thermodynamics.
  • Familiarity with the concepts of heat transfer and specific heat capacity.
  • Knowledge of reversible processes in thermodynamics.
  • Ability to apply equations related to heat engines, such as Q = nCvΔT.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation and implications of the Carnot cycle in thermodynamics.
  • Learn about the concept of entropy and its calculation in various thermodynamic processes.
  • Explore the relationship between work done and heat transfer in different types of heat engines.
  • Investigate the effects of temperature differences on the efficiency of heat engines.
USEFUL FOR

Students of thermodynamics, engineers working with heat engines, and anyone interested in the principles of energy conversion and entropy in physical systems.

DanAbnormal
Messages
21
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



A reversible heat engine operates between two reservoirs having temperatures T1 and T2 (T2 > T1). The temperature T1 of the cold reservoir remains constant, whereas the warmer reservoir consists of n moles of a gas at constant volume with specific heat capacity Cv. After the heat engine has operated for period of time [tex]\Delta[/tex]t, the temperature T2 has dropped to T1.

i) How much heat is extracted from the warmer reservoir during [tex]\Delta[/tex]t?

ii) What is the change of entropy of the warmer reservoir during [tex]\Delta[/tex]t?

iii) How much work did the engine produce during [tex]\Delta[/tex]t?

iv) What is the change in entropy of the universe during [tex]\Delta[/tex]t?

Homework Equations



Q = nCv[tex]\Delta[/tex]T

The Attempt at a Solution



i) Right for the first part I am assuming [tex]\Delta[/tex]T corresponds to (T2 - T1), so the heat extracted is

Q = nCv(T2 - T1) ?

ii) For the next bit I am not sure. It says the heat engine is reversable, which makes me think there's no change in entropy, however it hasnt completed a cycle in [tex]\Delta[/tex]t. So that can't be right... can it?

iii) For the work done W = Qh - Qc

and Qh (if my attempt at part one is right) is = nCv[tex]\Delta[/tex]T

so W = (nCv[tex]\Delta[/tex]T) - Qc ?

iv) And the last part is kind of the same problem I have with part two.

So for the bits I've done am I right, and for the entropy parts is it zero or not?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
1. That makes sense to me.

2. The question asks what's the change in entropy of the reservoir not the engine. S = int(Q/dt) + (s2-s1)

3. Uhhh...I'm not to sure, be careful with your deltaT. I will agree with W = Qh-Qc

4. I have no idea how the hell anyone would find this but if they did that would be pretty amazing. I'm just going to guess and say the answer is, The Letter H.
 
Topher925 said:
2. The question asks what's the change in entropy of the reservoir not the engine. S = int(Q/dt) + (s2-s1)

what does s2 and s1 mean?
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
6K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
12K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
4K
Replies
3
Views
7K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
4K
Replies
6
Views
6K