Pressure Cooker Internal Energy Problem

In summary, the conversation discusses the process of using a pressure cooker and the exchange of energy within the system. The type of process is not clearly defined, as none of the common processes fully satisfy the given situation. However, it is noted that the pressure of a system can increase without any work being done on the system.
  • #1
sharpnova
43
1

Homework Statement


A pressure cooker is a nearly air tight sealed system. When seated on a stove burner and heated, water turns to steam and increases the pressure inside, resulting in higher temperatures so food cooks faster. Suppose 1/2 cup of water is inside the pressure cooker and it is on an active burner on the stove. Suppose that 15000 J of energy vaporize the water and that 4000 J leak out of the system to the atmosphere. What is the name of this kind of process? How much energy is exchanged by heat? Is the energy put in or taken out of the system? How much energy is exchanged by work? Is that work done by or on the system? What is the change in the system's internal energy? (give the sigh of that change as well as the amount)

Homework Equations


change in internal energy = heat added + work done by system

The Attempt at a Solution


For the first question (identifying the type of process) I can't find one that satisfies the situation.

Isovolumetric has the work done by the system as zero. But the system does work on the gas (increasing its pressure)

Isothermal has the change of internal energy as zero. But the system takes in 15000 J and leaks out 4000 J so there is an 11000 J difference.

Adiabatic has the the condition "no heat in or out" but 15000 went in and 4000 went out for a net of 11000 in.

Isolated has no interaction with surroundings but since 4000 J leak out it is interacting with its surroundings.
 
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  • #2
sharpnova said:
For the first question (identifying the type of process) I can't find one that satisfies the situation.

Isovolumetric has the work done by the system as zero. But the system does work on the gas (increasing its pressure)

Isothermal has the change of internal energy as zero. But the system takes in 15000 J and leaks out 4000 J so there is an 11000 J difference.

Adiabatic has the the condition "no heat in or out" but 15000 went in and 4000 went out for a net of 11000 in.

Isolated has no interaction with surroundings but since 4000 J leak out it is interacting with its surroundings.
It is possible for the pressure of a system to increase without any work being done on the system.
 
  • #3
Thank you that cleared it up for me
 

1. What is a pressure cooker internal energy problem?

The pressure cooker internal energy problem refers to the issue of calculating the internal energy of a substance within a sealed pressure cooker. This is important in determining the amount of heat needed to raise the temperature of the substance and the pressure within the cooker.

2. How is the internal energy of a pressure cooker calculated?

The internal energy of a pressure cooker can be calculated using the first law of thermodynamics, which states that the change in internal energy is equal to the heat added to the system minus the work done by the system. This can be expressed as ΔU = Q - W.

3. What factors affect the internal energy of a pressure cooker?

The internal energy of a pressure cooker is affected by the amount of heat added to the system, the work done by the system, and the specific heat capacity of the substance inside the cooker. The temperature and pressure of the cooker also play a role in determining the internal energy.

4. Why is it important to understand the internal energy of a pressure cooker?

Understanding the internal energy of a pressure cooker is important for ensuring the safe and efficient use of the cooker. It allows for proper adjustment of heat and pressure settings, and helps to prevent accidents such as explosions or burns. Additionally, knowledge of internal energy can aid in recipe development and cooking times.

5. How can the internal energy of a pressure cooker be controlled?

The internal energy of a pressure cooker can be controlled by adjusting the heat and pressure settings. Increasing the heat will increase the internal energy, while decreasing the heat will decrease the internal energy. Similarly, increasing the pressure will also increase the internal energy, while decreasing the pressure will decrease the internal energy.

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