Need help solving a thermodynamics problem

Since the temperature of the air remains constant at 290 K, the change in internal energy is equal to zero.Therefore, the total amount of energy transfer by heat is given byQ total = Q tank + Q piston-cylinder + Q surroundingsSince the temperature of the air remains constant at 290 K, the heat transfer is given byQ = nCpΔTwhere n is the number of moles of air, Cp is the specific heat at constant pressure, and ΔT is the change in temperature.Substituting the values for the air in the tank, we getQ tank = (0.10347 mol)(1.005 kJ/mol·K)(290 K - 290 K) =
  • #1
sonna
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A rigid tank initially contains 3kg of air at 500KPa, 290K. The tank is contained by a valve to a pistion-cylinder assembly oriented vertically and containing 0.05m^3 of air initially at 200KPa,290K. Although the valve is closed, a slow leak allows air to flow into the cylinder until the tank pressure falls to 200KPa. The weight of the piston and the pressure of the atmosphere maintain a constant pressure of 200Kpa in the cylinder; and owing to heat transfer, the temperature stays constant at 290K. For the air, determine the total amount of energy transfer by work and by heat, each in kj. Assume ideal gas behaviour. :

I have trouble solving this problem. Please anyone can u help me to get an edge on solving this problem?
 
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  • #2
Answer:The total amount of energy transfer by work is equal to the change in internal energy of the air in the tank plus the change in internal energy of the air in the piston-cylinder assembly. Assuming ideal gas behavior, the change in internal energy of the air in the tank is given byΔU tank = nRT ln(P2/P1)where n is the number of moles of air in the tank, R is the gas constant, T is the temperature of the air, and P1 and P2 are the initial and final pressures, respectively. The change in internal energy of the air in the piston-cylinder assembly is given byΔU piston-cylinder = nRT ln(V2/V1)where V1 and V2 are the initial and final volumes, respectively.Therefore, the total amount of energy transfer by work is given byΔU total = nRT ln(P2/P1) + nRT ln(V2/V1)For the air in the tank, n = 3 kg/28.97 g/mol = 0.10347 mol, R = 8.314 J/mol·K, T = 290 K, P1 = 500 kPa, and P2 = 200 kPa.For the air in the piston-cylinder assembly, n = 0.05 m3/22.4 L/mol = 0.002235 mol, R = 8.314 J/mol·K, T = 290 K, V1 = 0.05 m3, and V2 = 0.05 m3.Substituting these values into the equation above, we getΔU total = (0.10347 mol)(8.314 J/mol·K)(290 K)ln(200/500) + (0.002235 mol)(8.314 J/mol·K)(290 K)ln(0.05/0.05)ΔU total = -75.43 kJThe total amount of energy transfer by heat is equal to the sum of the change in internal energy of the air in the tank, the change in internal energy of the air in the piston-cylinder assembly, and the heat transfer from the surroundings to the
 
  • #3


Hello! I can definitely help you with this thermodynamics problem. First, let's break down the information given and identify the key variables that we need to solve for.

1. Initial conditions:
- Rigid tank with 3kg of air at 500KPa, 290K
- Piston-cylinder assembly with 0.05m^3 of air at 200KPa, 290K

2. Process:
- Valve is closed, but there is a slow leak allowing air to flow into the cylinder
- Tank pressure decreases to 200KPa
- Piston weight and atmospheric pressure maintain a constant pressure of 200KPa in the cylinder
- Heat transfer occurs and temperature remains constant at 290K

3. Objective:
- Determine the total amount of energy transfer by work and heat for the air in the cylinder, in kJ.

Now, we can use the ideal gas law to solve for the missing variables. The ideal gas law is given by:

PV = mRT

Where:
P = pressure (Pa)
V = volume (m^3)
m = mass (kg)
R = gas constant (8.314 J/mol*K)
T = temperature (K)

We know that the temperature and volume remain constant, so we can rearrange the equation to solve for the final pressure in the cylinder:

P = (mRT)/V

Plugging in the values, we get:
P = (3kg * 8.314 J/mol*K * 290K) / 0.05m^3
P = 144,924 Pa

Since the pressure in the cylinder remains constant at 200KPa, we can set up an equation to solve for the mass of air that flows into the cylinder:

P1V1 = P2V2
(500KPa)(0.05m^3) = (200KPa)(V2)
V2 = 0.125m^3

Now, we can use the ideal gas law again to solve for the mass of air that flows into the cylinder:

m = (PV)/RT
m = (200KPa * 0.125m^3) / (8.314 J/mol*K * 290K)
m = 0.0096 kg

Next, we can use the formula for work done by a gas:

W = PΔV
Where:
W = work (J)
P =
 

1. What is thermodynamics?

Thermodynamics is the branch of science that deals with the study of energy and its transformations, particularly in relation to heat and work.

2. How do I approach solving a thermodynamics problem?

The best way to approach solving a thermodynamics problem is to carefully read and understand the problem, identify the relevant equations and variables, and then use the appropriate mathematical operations to solve for the unknown quantity.

3. What are the different laws of thermodynamics?

The three laws of thermodynamics are: 1) the law of conservation of energy, which states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transferred or transformed; 2) the law of entropy, which states that the total entropy of a closed system will never decrease over time; and 3) the law of absolute zero, which states that absolute zero is unattainable and is the point at which all molecular motion ceases.

4. What are the common units of measurement used in thermodynamics?

The common units of measurement used in thermodynamics are joules (J) for energy, kelvin (K) for temperature, and pascals (Pa) for pressure.

5. How can thermodynamics be applied in real-world situations?

Thermodynamics has a wide range of applications in various fields, including engineering, chemistry, biology, and environmental science. It can be used to analyze and optimize energy systems, design more efficient engines and machines, understand chemical reactions, and predict the behavior of complex systems such as the Earth's climate.

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