Solving Thermo Problem: $\Delta U$, $\Delta K_{cm}$, $\Delta I$, $W_{ext}$, $Q$

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the relationships between internal energy ($\Delta U$), kinetic energy in the center of mass frame ($\Delta K_{cm}$), potential energy changes ($\Delta I$), external work ($W_{ext}$), and heat transfer ($Q$) in the context of thermodynamics and mechanics. Participants explore how these variables can be defined and related to each other, referencing the first law of thermodynamics and the work-energy theorem.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants state that $\Delta U = \Delta K_{cm} + \Delta I$ and $\Delta U = W_{ext} + Q$, questioning how $W_{ext}$ and $Q$ can be defined in terms of kinetic and potential energy.
  • Others reference the work-energy theorem, asserting that $W_{ext} = \Delta KE + \Delta U$, suggesting this is a restatement of the first law of thermodynamics.
  • One participant argues against equating $Q$ and $W_{ext}$ to kinetic energy and work, respectively, using the example of an ideal gas undergoing adiabatic compression to illustrate their point.
  • Another participant expresses uncertainty about the relationships, suggesting that the definitions of $U$, $Q$, and $W$ may not align as previously thought, particularly in the context of internal and external forces.
  • Further discussion includes the dynamics of a gas in a cylinder with a piston, analyzing the forces acting on the center of mass and their implications for the definitions of work and energy.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus; multiple competing views remain regarding the definitions and relationships between $W_{ext}$, $Q$, and the energy terms. The discussion reflects uncertainty and differing interpretations of the first law of thermodynamics and the work-energy theorem.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight potential limitations in their definitions, including assumptions about ideal conditions and the roles of internal and external forces. There is a noted complexity in reconciling the thermodynamic and mechanical perspectives on energy.

pardesi
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we know that $\Delta U$ $=$ $\Delta K_{cm}$ $+$ $\Delta I$
where $\Delta K_{cm}$ is the kinetic energy from cm frame of refrence and the other part is the change in change in potential energy due to various conservative forces.

also by first law of thermodynamics $\Delta U$ $=$ $W_{ext} + Q$
can we define $W_{ext}$ and $Q$ in terms of the other variables kinetic energy and potential energy
 
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pardesi said:
we know that

[tex]\Delta U =\Delta K_{cm} + \Delta I[/tex]
where [itex]\Delta K_{cm}[/itex] is the kinetic energy from cm frame of refrence and the other part is the change in change in potential energy due to various conservative forces.

also by first law of thermodynamics

[tex]\Delta U = W_{ext} + Q[/tex]

can we define [itex]W_{ext}[/itex] and Q in terms of the other variables kinetic energy and potential energy?

I changed all of your dollar signs to [ tex ] [ /tex ] tags (don't put the spaces) so that the LaTeX would work and the post would be readable. Now let me see if it can be understood...
 
work energy theorem

[tex]W_{ext} = \Delta KE + \Delta U[/tex]

first law of thermo stated that way is just a restatement of this
 
ice109 said:
work energy theorem

[tex]W_{ext} = \Delta KE + \Delta U[/tex]

first law of thermo stated that way is just a restatement of this
but how do you define [tex]W[/tex] and [tex]Q[/tex] using these
 
pardesi said:
but how do you define [tex]W[/tex] and [tex]Q[/tex] using these

you don't, it's the same formula, Q=ke and w=w
 
ice109 said:
you don't, it's the same formula, Q=ke and w=w
what is [tex]k,e,w[/tex]
 
pardesi said:
what is [tex]k,e,w[/tex]

it's simple
[tex]Q=KE[/tex] and [tex]W_{ext}=W[/tex]

your statement of the first law of thermo is the work-energy theorem.
 
ice109 said:
it's simple
[tex]Q=KE[/tex] and [tex]W_{ext}=W[/tex]

your statement of the first law of thermo is the work-energy theorem.
i don't think that's true because consider an ideal gas let it undergo adiabatic compression although the heat gained is [tex]0[/tex] the temp. of body which is measured by change in kinetic energy changes
 
pardesi said:
i don't think that's true because consider an ideal gas let it undergo adiabatic compression although the heat gained is [tex]0[/tex] the temp. of body which is measured by change in kinetic energy changes
I think the mistake I've made is the the U from the thermo equation equals KE from the work energy theorem and the Q from the thermo equation equals the U from the work energy theorem.

I would love to confirm or deny though.
 
  • #10
ice109 said:
I think the mistake I've made is the the U from the thermo equation equals KE from the work energy theorem and the Q from the thermo equation equals the U from the work energy theorem.

I would love to confirm or deny though.
actually the problem while doing that is we know as in the original [tex]U[/tex] equation the change in kinetic energy as seen from c.m is work done by ext forces ,work done by internal conservative forces,work done by internal non conservative forces on the particles minus the work done by external forces on c.m but what
while change in internal energy is negative of work done by internal conservative forces .then while adding they cancel out then what's the use of defining them.

also now consider a gas in a cylinder the usual example with a pison.the pressure P of the gas be say less than [tex]P_{ext}[/tex]then the net force on c.m due to these should be [tex]P_{ext}-P[/tex].P due to lower wall by Newtons third law,and [tex]P_{ext}[/tex] due to external force above by piston
 
  • #11
someone please...
 

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