How Is Work Done by Gas Calculated in a Thermodynamic System?

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    Gas Thermodynamics
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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the work done by a gas in a thermodynamic system, specifically during an isobaric process. When 1400 kcal of heat is added to a gas in a cylinder, its volume increases from 12.0 m³ to 17.7 m³. The work done by the gas can be calculated using the formula W = P·ΔV, where P is the atmospheric pressure and ΔV is the change in volume. The change in internal energy (ΔU) can be determined using the equation ΔU = Q - W, where Q is the heat added.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of thermodynamic processes, specifically isobaric processes.
  • Familiarity with the ideal gas law and its applications.
  • Knowledge of energy conversion, particularly between kcal and joules.
  • Proficiency in using the first law of thermodynamics.
NEXT STEPS
  • Calculate the work done by the gas using the formula W = P·ΔV with atmospheric pressure set at 101.3 kPa.
  • Convert 1400 kcal to joules for accurate calculations (1 kcal = 4184 J).
  • Determine the change in internal energy using ΔU = Q - W after calculating W.
  • Explore the implications of work and energy changes in other thermodynamic processes.
USEFUL FOR

Students studying thermodynamics, engineers working with gas systems, and anyone involved in energy calculations in mechanical systems will benefit from this discussion.

LostTexan07
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Homework Statement


A gas is enclosed in a cylinder fitted with a light frictionless piston and maintained at atmospheric pressure. When 1400 kcal of heat is added to the gas, the volume is observed to increase slowly from 12.0 m3 to 17.7 m3. Calculate the following
(a) work done by the gas ____ J
(b) change in internal energy of the gas ____ J

Homework Equations


(delta)U = Q - W


The Attempt at a Solution


I tried to convert 1400 kcal to J and plug it into the problem, but it appears that I have two unknown variables and I'm not really sure where to go from here.
 
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The work on a isobaric process (since the piston is free to move without friction) is given by the equation W = P.[tex]\Delta[/tex]V
 

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