How Does Mixing Ideal Gases in a Thermally Insulated Cylinder Affect Pressure?

In summary, the gas molecules in the two different temperature mix together and the pressure goes down.
  • #1
Uthpala Kaushalya
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Homework Statement



Consider a rigid piston cylinder arrangement. Assume that the cylinder and the piston are covered by a perfectly insulating material and the piston cylinder interface is very smooth. Two types of ideal gases are separated in the cylinder by the piston. The number of gas molecules of type A is equal to N and the number of gas molecules of type B is twice as that of A. At thermal equilibrium, one finds that the volume occupied by each of gases is the same and equal to V. the temperature of the gas is T, and the temperature of the gas A is twice that of gas B. After a certain time, a door in the piston is slowly opened and the gases are allowed to mix. Find the pressure, after mixing is complete.

Homework Equations


PV = N KbT

The Attempt at a Solution

 

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  • #2
Set the equation you wrote with the variables in the final state after the piston was opened

What is the final V?
The final N?
The final T?
 
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  • #3
Cozma Alex said:
Set the equation you wrote with the variables in the final state after the piston was opened

What is the final V?
The final N?
The final T?

But, isn't there a work done for pushing the piston?
 
  • #4
Cozma Alex said:
Set the equation you wrote with the variables in the final state after the piston was opened

What is the final V?
The final N?
The final T?

And how to find the final T ?
 
  • #5
Is the same as before
 
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  • #6
Cozma Alex said:
Is the same as before

The two gases are in two different temperature, aren't they? When applying the equation to the whole system, ( final state ) we need a temperature.
 
  • #7
Ahhh, sorry I made a mistake
 
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  • #8
What does this mean: "the temperature of the gas is T, and the temperature of the gas A is twice that of gas B."
 
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  • #9
Chestermiller said:
What does this mean: "the temperature of the gas is T, and the temperature of the gas A is twice that of gas B."

Sorry, it should be "Temperature of the gas A is T, and the temperature of the gas A is twice that of gas B"
 
  • #10
If the outer container is rigid, how much work W does the combined system of two gases do on their surroundings? If the outer container is insulated, how much heat Q gets transferred between the combined system of two gases and their surroundings? From the first law of thermodynamics, what does that tell you about the change in internal energy ##\Delta U## of the combined system of two gases?
 

FAQ: How Does Mixing Ideal Gases in a Thermally Insulated Cylinder Affect Pressure?

What is thermodynamic equilibrium?

Thermodynamic equilibrium refers to a state in which a system undergoes no net change in its macroscopic properties over time. This means that the system has reached a balance between all of its internal and external factors, and there is no tendency for it to change or evolve further.

How does thermodynamic equilibrium occur?

Thermodynamic equilibrium can occur through the exchange of energy and matter between the system and its surroundings, until all gradients and imbalances are eliminated. This can happen spontaneously or through external intervention, such as the application of heat or pressure.

What are the three types of thermodynamic equilibrium?

The three types of thermodynamic equilibrium are thermal equilibrium, mechanical equilibrium, and chemical equilibrium. Thermal equilibrium refers to a balance in temperature, mechanical equilibrium refers to a balance in pressure, and chemical equilibrium refers to a balance in chemical composition.

What factors affect thermodynamic equilibrium?

The factors that affect thermodynamic equilibrium include temperature, pressure, concentration, and the presence of any external forces. These factors can influence the direction and rate of equilibration, as well as the stability of the equilibrium state.

What are the practical applications of thermodynamic equilibrium?

Thermodynamic equilibrium plays a crucial role in many scientific fields, including chemistry, physics, and engineering. It is essential for understanding and predicting the behavior of systems, such as chemical reactions, phase transitions, and energy transfer processes. It also allows for the design and optimization of various industrial processes and technologies.

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