Calculating Internal Energy Change in Isobaric Expansion

Therefore, the change in internal energy can be calculated by subtracting the work done (from pressure-volume work) from the heat added. This can be represented as: ΔU = q - w. In summary, an ideal gas undergoes an isobaric expansion with a constant pressure of 3.65 kPa. The volume increases from 1.7 m^3 to 6.8 m^3 and 25.1 kJ of heat is transferred to the gas. To calculate the change in internal energy, we can use the equation ΔU = q - w, where q represents the heat added and w represents the work done by the gas (pressure-volume work).
  • #1
nemzy
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question: An ideal gas initially at 230 K undergoes an isobaric expansion at 3.65 kPa.

If the volume increases from 1.7 m^3 to 6.8 m^3 and 25.1 kJ is transferred to the gas by heat, what is the change in its internal energy?


i know that isobaric expansion means that the pressure is constant. however, i don't know how to calculate the internal energy. my proff went over this part very briefly and the book doesn't cover much about this topic.
 
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  • #2
Use the specific heat for an ideal gas at constant pressure.
 
  • #3
so internal energy = q+w

work = -p*change in volume

which is (3.65kpa*1000)(6.8m^3-1.70m^3)

and q= n*Cp*change in T

and Cp = 20.775 J/mol*K

i know the initial T, and could find the final T
n is also easy to find

however, what does the 25.1 kj transferred to the gas by heat mean and how does it relate to this problem?
 
Last edited:
  • #4
Heat (thermal energy) is being added to the system and the gas expands. As the gas expands it does work. The change in internal energy will be the difference between the heat added and the work done by the gas.
 

1. What is isobaric expansion?

Isobaric expansion is a thermodynamic process in which a system undergoes a change in volume at a constant pressure.

2. What is the equation for isobaric expansion?

The equation for isobaric expansion is ΔV = V₂ - V₁ = V₁(γ - 1)ΔT, where ΔV is the change in volume, V₂ and V₁ are the final and initial volumes, γ is the coefficient of volume expansion, and ΔT is the change in temperature.

3. What is the difference between isobaric and isochoric processes?

In an isobaric process, the pressure remains constant while the volume changes, whereas in an isochoric process, the volume remains constant while the pressure changes.

4. What is the significance of isobaric expansion in real-life applications?

Isobaric expansion is important in many real-life applications, such as internal combustion engines, refrigerators, and heat exchangers. It allows for the efficient transfer of energy and is essential for the functioning of these devices.

5. How does isobaric expansion relate to the ideal gas law?

Isobaric expansion is one of the three processes that can occur in an ideal gas according to the ideal gas law, along with isochoric and isothermal processes. In an isobaric expansion, the pressure remains constant, while the volume and temperature change, allowing for the relationship between pressure, volume, and temperature to be observed and calculated.

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