How to Calculate ΔU and ΔH for CO2 Heated Isobarically?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the changes in internal energy (ΔU) and enthalpy (ΔH) for carbon dioxide (CO2) when it is heated isobarically from an initial temperature of 295K to a final temperature of 500K at a constant pressure of 3 atm. Participants are exploring the implications of the ideal gas law and the behavior of heat capacities (Cp and Cv) as they relate to temperature changes.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to understand the relationship between pressure, volume, and temperature changes in an ideal gas context. Questions arise regarding the necessity of integration when heat capacities change with temperature, and whether the mass of CO2 remains constant during the process. There is also discussion about the implications of using different forms of the ideal gas law.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants sharing their thoughts on the necessity of integration for varying heat capacities and the implications of constant pressure on volume changes. Some guidance has been offered regarding the relationships between ΔU, ΔH, and the heat capacities, but no consensus has been reached on the specific steps to take.

Contextual Notes

Participants are grappling with the complexities of heat capacities that change with temperature and the implications of using different equations for ideal gases. There is acknowledgment of the challenges faced in understanding thermodynamic principles, particularly in the context of this problem.

dlacombe13
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Homework Statement


CO2 is at P=3atm, T = 295K and V=1.2m3.
It is isobarically heated to T = 500K.
Find ΔU and ΔH

Homework Equations


dU = cpdT

The Attempt at a Solution


I am having a hard time in general in this class. I understand that in this problem, ΔP = 0. Does this mean that there must be a ΔV? Also, I am having a hard time understanding how to use cp if in this case, it changes with temperature. I do not think I need to use integration, but I am not sure.
 
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dlacombe13 said:
I understand that in this problem, ΔP = 0. Does this mean that there must be a ΔV?
Yes.

dlacombe13 said:
Also, I am having a hard time understanding how to use cp if in this case, it changes with temperature. I do not think I need to use integration, but I am not sure.
If ##c_p## changes with temperature, then you need to integrate.
 
dlacombe13 said:

Homework Statement


CO2 is at P=3atm, T = 295K and V=1.2m3.
It is isobarically heated to T = 500K.
Find ΔU and ΔH

Homework Equations


dU = cpdT
No. dU = nCvdT

The Attempt at a Solution


I am having a hard time in general in this class. I understand that in this problem, ΔP = 0. Does this mean that there must be a ΔV?
CO2 can be treated as an ideal gas, so: PV = nRT. If T increases and P stays the same, what happens to V?
Also, I am having a hard time understanding how to use cp if in this case, it changes with temperature. I do not think I need to use integration, but I am not sure.
Cp is the heat capacity at constant pressure. So multiplying Cp by the change in temperature and number of moles gives you ...?. Since H = U + PV, can you determine the ΔH? (Hint: for constant pressure changes, how is it related to ΔQ?). Use ΔU = nCvΔT to determine change in internal energy.

AM
 
dU = cpdT wasn't that dH :smile: ?
dlacombe13 said:
Does this mean that there must be a ΔV?
Yes. Ideal gas law is good enough.
dlacombe13 said:
Also, I am having a hard time understanding how to use cp if in this case, it changes with temperature. I do not think I need to use integration
Either you integrate (stepwise), or you look it up. it indeed changes with T

dlacombe13 said:
I am having a hard time in general in this class
That's OK. With thermodynamics the sequence is: completely disoriented, then gradually more confident, and -- by the time you Master it -- complete disorientation again :smile:

[edit] wow, three responses !
 
Okay so I am familiar with the PV=nRT formula. In our class, we usually use PV=mRT, and use the specific R for the gas in question. Would my first step be to calculate the mass of CO2 in state 1 using this formula?
 
dlacombe13 said:
Okay so I am familiar with the PV=nRT formula. In our class, we usually use PV=mRT, and use the specific R for the gas in question. Would my first step be to calculate the mass of CO2 in state 1 using this formula?
Yes. Does the mass change?

AM
 
No I wouldn't think that mass would change. I went ahead and calculated the volume of the second state, although I'm not sure if it was needed. Would I then have to use dU = mcvdT ? And since it cv is not constant, would I need to integrate both sides of this equation?
 
I am confused because I do not understand which value to choose for Cp if it changes with volume. Even if I were to integrate I would have:
∫dU = m∫Cp dT
But how can I do that? The Cp is really throwing me off, and I have no idea how to use it in this problem. The same goes for Cv, since that also changes with temperature. Any help?
 
For an ideal gas, Cv and Cp are both functions only of temperature. They are related to the changes in internal energy and enthalpy by:
$$dU=nC_vdT$$
$$dH=nC_pdT$$
If the heat capacities are functions of temperature, then, to be exact, you need to integrate. But, often, if the temperature interval is small, the heat capacities can be approximated as being constant.
 
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