Ideal Gas & Piston Homework: Calculate Distance Moved

In summary: Use these constraints to solve for the final volume of each chamber.In summary, an enclosed cylindrical container is divided into two sections, A and B, by a piston. The length of each section is 10cm and they contain the same type of monoatomic gas at 0°C and 1.0×10^5 Pa. One section, B, is in contact with a thermostatic bath while the other section, A, is heated to 57°C using a heater. The distance the piston P moves can be determined by solving for the final volumes of each chamber using the ideal gas law and considering the constraints of equal pressures in the final state and a constant total volume.
  • #1
Asla
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Homework Statement


Asshown in the figure below, an enclosed cylindrical container(cross-sectional area : S) is divided into two sections (A,B) by piston P.The length of each section is 10cm.Each section contains a monoatomic gas at temperature 0°C and pressure 1.0×10^5 Pa.(both contain the same type of gas)The gas in B is in contact with the thermostatic bath and does not change temperature.The piston and the container do not conduct heat.The area of contact between the piston and the container is tightly sealed and frictionless
The gas in A is heated to 57°C using a heater.What distance does the piston P move?
attachment.php?attachmentid=59720&stc=1&d=1371733658.jpg


The Attempt at a Solution


I am still trying to connect the work done and distance moved.
I have a instinct that one of the gases is undergoing an isobaric change while the other undergoes an adiabatic change but I am not sure about that.
 

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  • #2
You don't have to care about work done, or details of the changes. Just consider the system before (what is the relative amount of gas?) and afterwards (how does the new equilibrium position look like?).
 
  • #3
Use the ideal gas law on each of the chambers. You know the initial temperatures, pressures, and volumes, and you know the final temperatures, but not the final pressures and volumes. However, you do know that the final pressures in the two chambers are equal, and you also know that the total volume of the two chambers does not change.
 

1. What is an ideal gas?

An ideal gas is a theoretical model of a gas that behaves in a simplified and predictable manner. It assumes that the gas particles have negligible volume and do not interact with each other, making it easier to make calculations and predictions about the gas behavior.

2. How is distance moved calculated in Ideal Gas & Piston Homework?

In this homework, the distance moved is calculated using the ideal gas law, which states that the pressure of an ideal gas is directly proportional to its temperature and the volume of the gas. The equation used to calculate distance moved is: distance = (pressure x initial volume) / final pressure. This equation takes into account the change in volume of the gas as the piston moves.

3. What are the units of measurement used in Ideal Gas & Piston Homework?

The units of measurement used in this homework are typically standard SI units, such as meters (m) for distance, kelvin (K) for temperature, and pascals (Pa) for pressure. However, other units can also be used as long as they are consistent and can be converted to the standard units.

4. What factors affect the distance moved in an ideal gas and piston system?

The distance moved in an ideal gas and piston system is affected by several factors, including the initial volume of the gas, the initial pressure of the gas, the final pressure of the gas, and the temperature of the gas. Additionally, the properties of the piston, such as its mass and surface area, can also affect the distance moved.

5. Can the ideal gas law be applied to real gases?

The ideal gas law is a theoretical model and does not perfectly describe the behavior of real gases. However, it can still be used as an approximation for real gases under certain conditions, such as low pressures and high temperatures. In these conditions, the gas particles behave similarly to an ideal gas and the ideal gas law can provide accurate calculations.

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