Isobaric Expansion

1. Sep 27, 2007

amdma2003

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
5.00 g of nitrogen gas at 22.0 deg C and an initial pressure of 2.00 atm undergo an isobaric expansion until the volume has tripled.

A. How much heat energy is transferred to the gas to cause this expansion?

2. Relevant equations

Equation of Isobaric thermodynamic: W = -p(delta V)
Ideal Gas Law: PV=nRT

3. The attempt at a solution
Get the number of moles of the N2 gas: N2 = 28 g/mol ; moles = 5/28
Convert 22 deg C to Kelvin: 273.15 + 22 = 295.15 K
Convert 2.00 atm to Pascals: 2 atm = 202 650 pascals
R is 8.31
Find V initial:
PV = nRT
(202650)V = 0.1786(8.31)295.15
Vi = 0.0022
Find V final: Vf = 3(Vi) = 0.0065

Now Find the Work done:
W = -p(DELTA V)
Since pressure stays constant at 202,650 Pascals then:
W = -202650(0.0065-0.0022) = 871.395 J

However this is wrong, and I do not understand why. Can someone walk me through this problem?

2. Sep 27, 2007

Andrew Mason

$$\Delta Q = \Delta U + P\Delta V$$

Since $\Delta U = nC_v\Delta T$

$$\Delta Q = nC_v\Delta T + P\Delta V$$

Find the change in T using PV = nRT to find the heat flow $\Delta Q$

AM

Last edited: Sep 27, 2007
3. Sep 27, 2007

Vidatu

I'm not familiar with the procedure for this type of question, but it says that 2.00 atm is the initial pressure. I would guess that it would change.

However, as I said, I don't know. Sorry if this is wrong.

4. Sep 27, 2007

amdma2003

Thanks for directing me to the First Law of Thermodynamics. I have never thought of using the relationship.

However, for the record, I did realize that it should be C_p not C_v as it is the specific heat of the gas at constant pressure.

5. Sep 27, 2007

Andrew Mason

You can certainly use Cp to find the heat flow (Cp takes into account the work done in the expansion):

$$\Delta Q = nC_p\Delta T$$

Change in interal energy is ALWAYS $\Delta U = nC_v\Delta T$.

If P is constant:

$$\Delta Q = nC_p\Delta T = nC_v\Delta T + P\Delta V$$

But $\Delta V = nR\Delta T/P$ so

$$\Delta Q = (nC_v + nR)\Delta T$$ so

$$C_p = C_v + R$$

AM

6. Sep 27, 2007

Staff: Mentor

The problem states "isobaric expansion", so pressure does not change. The volume does change as also stated.