How Does Heating Affect the Pressure of an Ideal Gas in a Movable Piston Setup?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the behavior of an ideal gas in a movable piston setup when heat is applied. Initially, the pressure of the gas is calculated to be 1.0145 x 105 Pa using the formula P = Patm + W/A, where Patm is atmospheric pressure, W is the weight of the piston, and A is the area of the piston. After heating, the pressure remains constant due to the piston reaching a new equilibrium position despite the increase in temperature and volume. This conclusion is supported by the understanding of gas laws and equilibrium conditions.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the Ideal Gas Law
  • Knowledge of pressure calculations in fluid mechanics
  • Familiarity with thermodynamic concepts related to heat transfer
  • Basic principles of equilibrium in mechanical systems
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the Ideal Gas Law and its applications in real-world scenarios
  • Learn about the relationship between temperature, volume, and pressure in gases
  • Explore the concept of mechanical equilibrium in piston systems
  • Investigate the effects of heat transfer on gas behavior in closed systems
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This discussion is beneficial for physics students, mechanical engineers, and anyone interested in thermodynamics and the behavior of gases under varying conditions.

Jgoshorn1
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Homework Statement


An ideal gas in a cylinder occupies a volume of 0.065 m3 at room temperature (T = 293 K). The gas is confined by a piston with a weight of 100 N and an area of 0.65 m2. The pressure above the piston is equal to one atmosphere (atm = 1.013x10^5 Pa). The piston is free to move up and down.
What is the pressure of the ideal gas?
After heat is added (piston moves up), What is the pressure of the ideal gas?


Homework Equations



P= Patm + W/A

The Attempt at a Solution



For the first question, I found the pressure to equal 1.0145x10^5 Pa by using the equation I provided [P=1.013x10^5 + (100/.65)]

Is that right?

For the second question I figured the pressure would be the same because after the heat is added, the piston moves initially and then is again fixed in equilibrium (not moving). If there was a net force caused from a larger internal or external pressure, the piston would continue moving. But, since it is in equilibrium the pressure would stay the same...? The pressure builds up when the temp is increased, but since the piston is pushed up and stops, the volume has been increased resulting in equilibrium.
 
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Good logic, your argument is right.

ehild
 

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