Help with English units. Specific Heat

[MacLaddy]

Homework Statement

I have a problem that I've mostly solved using Ideal-gas specific heats for Oxygen. It has the form C_p = a + bT + cT^2 + dT^3

I am supposed to give the answer in English units of \frac{Btu}{lbm}, but I am having some difficulties in my conversion.

Homework Equations

C_p = a + bT + cT^2 + dT^3

The Attempt at a Solution

After integrating to solve above I have the answer of 5442.3\frac{Btu}{lbmol*R}. These units are given to me via my property tables booklet.

In trying to convert 5442.3\frac{Btu}{lbmol*R} to \frac{Btu}{lbm} I am using the fact that Oxygen has a molar mass of 31.999\frac{lbm}{lbmol}.

Using this conversion factor I get \frac{5442.3\frac{Btu}{lbmol*R}}{31.999\frac{lbm}{lbmol}}=170.1\frac{Btu}{lbm*R}

I am getting the extra factor of Rankine in the denominator. My instructor has a solution video she's presented, and she doesn't even use the R in the original units from the property tables booklet, but it clearly shows it.

Any clarification would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Mac

 

[Simon Bridge]

What are the dimensions of the Rankine?

 

[MacLaddy]

I didn't think the Rankine temperature scale had dimensions. Does Fahrenheit have dimensions, other than ^\circ{F}?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rankine_scale

 

[MacLaddy]

Now I'm realizing that R may be the universal gas constant, not Rankine... Have to look at this in the morning when I have a brain.

Insight is definitely still welcome.

 

[SteamKing]

Your problem statement is not clear. You are supposed to give what answer in units of BTU/lbm? Those are the units of enthalpy or internal energy. Specific heat has units of Energy/unit mass/deg. Temp. The universal gas constant would not be incorporated into the units, anyway.

 

[MacLaddy]

Your problem statement is not clear. You are supposed to give what answer in units of BTU/lbm? Those are the units of enthalpy or internal energy. Specific heat has units of Energy/unit mass/deg. Temp. The universal gas constant would not be incorporated into the units, anyway.

Yes, I apologize for being vague. It was a late night for me.

The question reads like this.

Determine the enthalpy change of \Delta{h} of oxygen, in Btu/lbm, as it is heated from 800 to 1500 R, using the empirical specific heat equation as a function of temperature

Using this empirical heat equation, \int_{800}^{1500}(a+bT+cT^2+cT^3)dT, I came up with the previous mentioned answer of 5442.3. The a, b, c, and d values were provided for me in my property tables booklet, and the solution of 5442.3 is verified from the instructors solutions. I believe the basic form of this is \int{C_p(T)}dT.

My property tables book reads like this

C_p = a + bT + cT^2 + dT^3
(T in R, C_p in Btu/lbmol * R)


This is where I was assuming my units for 5442.3\frac{Btu}{lbmol*R}

Hopefully this clarified my dilemma.

Thanks again,
Mac

 

[MacLaddy]

Ah, I had a Eureka moment.

Those are the units for Specific heat, not the solution of enthalpy.

$$C_pT=\frac{Btu}{lbmol*R}*R=\frac{Btu}{lbmol}$$

Thanks all,
Mac

 

[Simon Bridge]

With no dimensions, the Rankine is a scale factor isn't it?
Oh you got there... well done ;)