Liquids, internal energy and specific heat capacity

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the relationship between internal energy, work, and heat transfer in an adiabatic process involving a liquid. The first law of thermodynamics is applied, where dQ = dW + dU, with dQ being zero due to the adiabatic nature of the system. The correct formula for internal energy change is established as dU = m * s * dT, where m is mass, s is specific heat capacity, and dT is the temperature change. The conversation emphasizes the distinction between heat (Q) and internal energy (U), clarifying that work done on the system translates into internal energy changes rather than heat transfer.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the first law of thermodynamics
  • Familiarity with concepts of internal energy and work
  • Knowledge of specific heat capacity and temperature change
  • Basic principles of adiabatic processes
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the first law of thermodynamics in detail
  • Learn about adiabatic processes and their implications in thermodynamics
  • Explore the relationship between work and internal energy in incompressible liquids
  • Review textbooks such as "Thermodynamics" by Smith and Van Ness for deeper insights
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for students and professionals in physics and engineering, particularly those focusing on thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and energy systems. It is especially relevant for individuals seeking to understand the nuances of heat transfer and internal energy in liquids.

metalrose
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A liquid contained in an adiabatic container is shaked vigorously so that it its temp. Increases.

The heat capacity for the liquid is given, the rise in temp. Is given.

According to the first law of thermo, dQ=dW + dU
here dQ is 0.

Asked, is to find the work done on the system, i.e. -dW =dU

The correct solution to this is dU = m*s*dT

My question is , how can this formula be used ?? Since the correct formula is dQ=m*s*dT
??
 
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No the correct formula is not q = msΔT.

q is the heat transferred into the system and this is defined to be zero by the adiabatic nature of the process.

Work is transferred into the system.
Within the system this work is converted to heat by interparticulate friction.
This heat increases the temperature of the system.

The correct equation connecting tmeperature rise to heat used to effect that temperature rise is

Q = mass times specific heat times temperature rise.

Q is numerically (and factually) equal to the work transferred into the system.

You should remember that q and w are always the energy that crosses the boundary into or out of the system when used in the first law.
The internal energy is a sort of book keeping account to balance the inputs and outputs.
 
metalrose said:
A liquid contained in an adiabatic container is shaked vigorously so that it its temp. Increases.

The heat capacity for the liquid is given, the rise in temp. Is given.

According to the first law of thermo, dQ=dW + dU
here dQ is 0.

Asked, is to find the work done on the system, i.e. -dW =dU

The correct solution to this is dU = m*s*dT

My question is , how can this formula be used ?? Since the correct formula is dQ=m*s*dT
??

Actually, the more basic (and correct) formula for an incompressible liquid is dU = m*s*dT. If you add heat to an incompressible liquid that is not being deformed, you get dU = m*s*dT = dQ, and this gives you a relationship between the amount of heat added to the temperature change. On the other hand, if you do work to deform an incompressible liquid without adding heat, you get dQ = 0, but still have dU = m*s*dT.
 
Chestermiller said:
Actually, the more basic (and correct) formula for an incompressible liquid is dU = m*s*dT. If you add heat to an incompressible liquid that is not being deformed, you get dU = m*s*dT = dQ, and this gives you a relationship between the amount of heat added to the temperature change. On the other hand, if you do work to deform an incompressible liquid without adding heat, you get dQ = 0, but still have dU = m*s*dT.

I think that would be correct. I was thinking along the same lines initially. But the standard textbook definition of heat capacities involve heat, i.e. Q and not U. Are you sure your formulation is correct?

And if it is, could you point me to some textbooks or resources where I could find heat capacities defined in terms of dU ?
 
metalrose said:
I think that would be correct. I was thinking along the same lines initially. But the standard textbook definition of heat capacities involve heat, i.e. Q and not U. Are you sure your formulation is correct?

And if it is, could you point me to some textbooks or resources where I could find heat capacities defined in terms of dU ?

Yes. Defining it in terms of Q is just for beginners.

See Amazon under the key word Thermodynamics

Smith and Van Ness

Van Ness and Abbot
 

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