Interpreting enthelpy on a ph diagram

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The discussion focuses on interpreting enthalpy changes on a pressure-enthalpy (ph) diagram, particularly in the context of a vapor compression refrigeration cycle. Participants express confusion over the conventions used for enthalpy differences, questioning why certain equations are presented in specific forms and whether there is a consistent convention for positive and negative values. The importance of clear definitions in educational materials is emphasized, as the lack of context can lead to misunderstandings. Additionally, the use of directional arrows in the equations is criticized for being unclear. Overall, the conversation highlights the need for better instructional clarity in thermodynamics.
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Homework Statement


8e02c9.png

2. Homework Equations

q = w+Δh

The Attempt at a Solution



I fail to understand how they obtained the 3 equations at the bottom. For the first one I understand that q = Δh since w = 0 but why is it h1-h4 rather than the other way around? Also, why does this h1-h4 equal h14 rather than h41? Is there some sort of convention? If yes, why isn't it followed with the next line which is h3-h2 = -h23 ? Similarly, why is Win = h1-h2 rather than the opposite way and why does this equal -h12?

Later on in the lecture it says:

2eecde.png


so now qh = h2-h3 ? So is it h3-h2 or the other way round?
 
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Hello,

This looks like an analysis of a vapour compression refrigeration cycle.
If there is no explanatory context, then that's didactically not very good. Good books tend to clearly define what's positive and what's negative, but here it has to be picked up from the context. And the double arrows on the red lines with e.g. h23 are very unhelpful ! They should have used arrows on the right hand side only.

As a physicist I am used to read from left to right so ##\tau_{21}## is the lifetime of level 2 for transition to level 1.

And here it looks like use the same convention: h41 = h4 - h1 = - h14

At least they do it consistently, e.g. : h4 = h1 + h14 and h2 = h1 + h12
 
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