Reversible Isothermal Expansion Steam

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the heat absorbed by 2 kg of steam during a reversible isothermal expansion at 500 degrees Celsius, with a pressure drop from 300 kPa to 200 kPa. The key equations referenced include the work done (W) expressed as W = nRT ln(v2/v1) and the relationship between pressure and volume ratios during isothermal processes. Participants clarify that under these conditions, steam can be approximated as an ideal gas, allowing the use of the ideal gas law to derive the volume ratio from the pressure ratio. The final conclusion is that W can be calculated using W = nRT ln(p1/p2).

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of thermodynamic principles, specifically isothermal processes.
  • Familiarity with the ideal gas law and its applications.
  • Knowledge of the relationship between pressure and volume in gas expansions.
  • Basic proficiency in using logarithmic functions in calculations.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation and applications of the ideal gas law in thermodynamic processes.
  • Learn about the implications of reversible processes in thermodynamics.
  • Explore the concept of internal energy changes in isothermal expansions.
  • Investigate the calculation of work done in various thermodynamic cycles.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for students studying thermodynamics, engineers working with steam systems, and anyone involved in heat transfer analysis in mechanical or chemical engineering contexts.

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Homework Statement


2kgs (total mass) of steam goes through a revesible isothermal expansion at 500 degrees celsius. During the expansion the pressure drops from 300 kpa to 200 kpa.
What is the heat absorbed by the steam during this process?

Homework Equations


U=W and W=nrt ln(v2/v1)

The Attempt at a Solution


Steam cannot be assumed to be an ideal gas atleast to my knowledge. When I google Reversible Isothermal Expansion all i get is that W is given by, nRT*ln(v2/v1). I cannot imagine the W=nRT*ln(v2/v1) being used in this specific problem. This formula would not give a numerical answer anyway, because the problem states no information about volumes.In a isothermal expansion: there is no change in internal energy so it is 0, and the work is done by the system so W is positive Q=+W.. So how do i calculate this W(heat absorbed by the steam) inthis case? is there any magical formula:)

thank you for all input:)!
 
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Under these conditions, steam can be approximated as an ideal gas. What does the ideal gas law tell you about the volume ratio of the process is isothermal and you know the pressure ratio?
 
Chestermiller said:
Under these conditions, steam can be approximated as an ideal gas. What does the ideal gas law tell you about the volume ratio of the process is isothermal and you know the pressure ratio?
ahhh, so (v2/v1) = (p1/p2)? so W=nRT*ln(p1/p2) in this case
 
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