How to find the volume ratio of two tanks

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the volume ratio of two tanks, one pressurized and the other smaller, after air flows from the larger tank to the smaller one. Participants explore different methods to calculate this ratio based on pressure readings taken after the system reaches equilibrium.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests using the isothermal process equation V1/V2 = P2/P1, given that the gas temperature remains constant.
  • Another participant proposes considering an adiabatic process as an alternative method, although this is later questioned based on the temperature conditions.
  • A participant provides specific pressure readings from the experiment: the larger tank's pressure dropped to about 121 kPa while the smaller tank's pressure increased to about 119 kPa.
  • References to "Burnett expansion" are made as a potential method for calculating the volume ratio, but some participants express difficulty in finding accessible information on this topic.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the best method to calculate the volume ratio, with multiple competing views regarding the applicability of isothermal and adiabatic processes, as well as the relevance of Burnett expansion.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion regarding the assumptions made about the processes involved (isothermal vs. adiabatic) and the availability of resources for understanding Burnett expansion.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students or individuals interested in thermodynamics, gas laws, and practical applications of pressure measurements in fluid dynamics.

GBA13
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Homework Statement


I have a problem:
So one tank is pressurised and then a pipe connecting this tank to a smaller one is opened so air can flow into the smaller tank. You then wait for the pressure to settle and read some pressure for each cylinder values.

I need to find two ways to measure the volume ratio of the larger tank to the smaller one. I think I've got one but not another

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


I think you can consider it an isothermal process as the gas temp stays constant and this results in the equation to get V1/V2 = P2/P1. But I'm really stuck on how to find another way to do it.

Could anyone offer me a hand?

Thanks so much!
 
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Maybe an adiabatic process?

Can you post the exact problem statement please?
 
Really that was about it, we pressurised the first container to about 130 kPA and then allowed the two pressures in both containers to settle. The pressure in the big tank dropped to about 121 kPa and the smaller one increased to about 119 kPa. Also the temperature stayed constant so I don't think it could be adiabatic. Sorry if this isn't clear but that is really all that we did and all the data we where told to collect.
 
See "Burnett expansion."
 
Bystander said:
See "Burnett expansion."

I googled Burnett expansion but there isn't really anything on it, I keep on getting stuck at pay walls!
 
Wow! I see what you mean. Did find one --- "Properties of Water and Steam: Proceedings of the 11th International ..." that shows enough text to tell you what the Burnett method is about.
 

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