Internal Energy: gas inside piston

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the change in internal energy of a gas inside a piston when heated from 300K to 400K. The heat capacity at constant pressure is specified as 500 J/K, leading to a heat transfer (Q) of 50,000 J. The work done (W) is derived from the pressure difference and the cross-sectional area of the piston, resulting in a calculated internal energy change (ΔU) of 456,500 J. The user successfully resolves the problem with the help of forum members.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the first law of thermodynamics
  • Knowledge of heat capacity and its application
  • Familiarity with pressure calculations in gas systems
  • Basic principles of piston-cylinder systems
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the first law of thermodynamics in detail
  • Learn about the relationship between pressure, volume, and work in gas systems
  • Explore the concept of heat capacity at constant pressure versus constant volume
  • Investigate real-world applications of piston-cylinder systems in engineering
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for students and professionals in thermodynamics, mechanical engineers, and anyone involved in the study of gas behavior in confined systems.

cokeaddict
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
A cylinder (cross section is 0.2m2) with a free moving piston is filled with gas. The piston is attached to a heavy weight W = 10000N. Outside the cylinder, the air is at 300K and 1atm. Initially the gas is at 300K, then it is heated to 400K. The heat capacity of the gas under the constant pressure is 500J/K.

If the length of the gas in the cylinder l increases by 20cm during the heating, find the change in the internal energy of the gas in Joule J.


Im thinking:

C = Q / delta T

C (delta T) = Q

500 x (400-300) = 50000 J = Q

so...delta U = Q - W

W = P delta V

i guess P is the pressure inside the piston...I've told something like this:

Inside pressure = outside pressure - weight_force/cross_sectional_area

I tried that, i came up with 456500 = ( 101300 - 10000) / .2

? i don't know...any help would be appreciated...:frown:
 

Attachments

  • showme.gif
    showme.gif
    3.4 KB · Views: 579
Physics news on Phys.org
oops, i actually got it...thanks though...
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
12
Views
3K
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
6K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 31 ·
2
Replies
31
Views
3K