How Does Expanding an Ideal Gas Affect Heat Absorption and Internal Energy?

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the expansion of an ideal gas under constant pressure, specifically focusing on the heat absorbed and the change in internal energy. The original poster presents a scenario involving an ideal gas with a specific heat ratio (γ=1.4) and a given work done during expansion.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relevant equations for gas expansion under constant pressure and the implications of the first law of thermodynamics. Questions arise regarding the path dependency of energy changes and the need for additional information such as moles of gas or temperature change.

Discussion Status

Guidance has been offered regarding the application of thermodynamic principles and equations, with some participants questioning the completeness of the provided information. Multiple interpretations of the work done are being explored, and there is an acknowledgment of the need for further clarification on certain variables.

Contextual Notes

There is a lack of information regarding the number of moles of gas and the change in temperature, which is critical for solving the problem. Participants note the ambiguity in whether the work done was by or on the system.

dk_ch
Messages
44
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



An ideal gas(γ=1.4) was expanded under constant pressure. The work done was 80 Joule.Calculate the heat absorbed and increase in internal energy of the system.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Well, what's the equation for a gas undergoing expansion under constant pressure?
[itex]w= P \int dV[/itex]
 
Feodalherren said:
Well, what's the equation for a gas undergoing expansion under constant pressure?
[itex]w= P \int dV[/itex]

what is the solution?
 
I'm not just going to give you the solution. You won't learn anything. You need to show some work and initiative and I can guide you through it.

Start by thinking about this: is the change in energy path dependent or path independent?
 
Feodalherren said:
I'm not just going to give you the solution. You won't learn anything. You need to show some work and initiative and I can guide you through it.

Start by thinking about this: is the change in energy path dependent or path independent?

W = Q-ΔU is known from from first law of thermodynamics and w is given here . Now how shall i proceed using γ=1.4 ? how to apply your equation ?
please help.
 
Last edited:
Is this calculus based physics or algebra based?

See this is why you need to show some work, I have no idea at what level you're doing this. If the integral is what's confusing you then simply change it to: [itex]w = P \Delta V[/itex].

You want to find [itex]Q_{in}[/itex] for a constant pressure problem.

[itex]\Delta E = W + Q[/itex]

We know that w= -80J. Because the system did work on the piston it has to be negative - energy left the system.

[itex]\Delta E + 80 = Q[/itex]

[itex]\gamma = 1.4[/itex] Therefore you know it's a diatomic gas.

And I actually get stuck there too.. Hmm. You aren't given either moles of gas or change in temperature? With your gamma you can find Cp and Cv but you don't seem to have enough information.

[itex]Q = nC_{p} \Delta T[/itex]

and [itex]\Delta E = nC_{v} \Delta T[/itex]

Edit: It's ambiguous if they mean that the work done was by the system or on the system. Is this the whole original question?
 
Last edited:
Feodalherren said:
And I actually get stuck there too.. Hmm. You aren't given either moles of gas or change in temperature? With your gamma you can find Cp and Cv but you don't seem to have enough information.

[itex]Q = nC_{p} \Delta T[/itex]

and [itex]\Delta E = nC_{v} \Delta T[/itex]

Divide these two equations and you will get Q/ΔE = cp/cv = γ = 1.4. Along with the equation from conservation of energy, you now have two equations with two unknowns.
 
CAF123 said:
Divide these two equations and you will get Q/ΔE = cp/cv = γ = 1.4. Along with the equation from conservation of energy, you now have two equations with two unknowns.
Ah! Genius. I would never have thought of that :).
 
CAF123 said:
Divide these two equations and you will get Q/ΔE = cp/cv = γ = 1.4. Along with the equation from conservation of energy, you now have two equations with two unknowns.

well done. Thanks to both of you.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
7K
  • · Replies 33 ·
2
Replies
33
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
3K