Solving Unusual Problems: Using the Polytropic Ideal Gas Equation

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a problem involving the polytropic ideal gas equation in the context of lung pressure changes during inhalation and exhalation. The original poster mentions using the equation when the specific heat at constant pressure (cp) is constant, particularly focusing on the temperature changes associated with varying pressures in the lungs.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the application of the polytropic ideal gas equation, questioning the assumptions made regarding the specific heat and the nature of the gas. There is a discussion about the calculations performed for temperature changes at different pressures, with some participants seeking clarification on the steps taken and the assumptions involved.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing feedback on each other's calculations and assumptions. Some guidance has been offered regarding the correct form of the equation and the importance of listing assumptions. There is an acknowledgment of potential issues with unit conversions and the complexity of the problem.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the specific conditions of the problem, including the assumption that the air is an ideal gas and the fixed cp value. There is also mention of the need to clarify assumptions related to the pressure states of the lungs during the breathing process.

mulgerizze
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Homework Statement
Exhaling air through a mask means the lungs needs to be pressurized to 1.1 atm instead of the normal 1atm. To exhale through the mask the lungs are depressurized to 0.9 atm. In either case the temp of the lungs wont be the normal 98.7 degrees Fahrenheit. What is the temperature swing of the lungs in this case?
Relevant Equations
Entropy, polytropic equation for an ideal gas
My teacher likes to make really weird problems. How can I start this problem? The only thing I thought of doing is using the polytropic ideal gas equation when cp= constant. (p2/p1)^k-1/k = T2/T1 and making p1 and t1 in each case the normal state of the lungs
 
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Hello (again),

And what do you get when you follow your thought ?

##\ ##
 
BvU said:
Hello (again),

And what do you get when you follow your thought ?

##\ ##
I got that the temperature from 1 atm to 1.1 atm was 114 and the temperature from 1 atm to 0.9 atm was 82
 
BvU said:
I suppose you used (p2/p1)^(k-1)/k = T2/T1 and not (p2/p1)^k-1/k = T2/T1
And k = 7/5 ?

I have trouble dealing with units like Fahrenheit and psi, but I suppose your math is ok.

So if your asumptions (did you list them ?) are correct, this is what omes out. Seems a bit hefty to me, but who knows ...

https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/homework-help-guidelines-for-students-and-helpers.686781/
(don't just dump a number, show your steps)

##\ ##
I assumed cp = constant and that the breathable air is an ideal gas.

My steps for for p=1.1 to p=1 k=1.4 were 98.7+460(1.1atm/1atm)^(1.4-1)/1.4

For p=0.9 to p=1 k=1.4 . 98.7+460(.9atm/1atm)^(1.4-1)/1.4
 
mulgerizze said:
Homework Statement:: To exhale inhale through the mask the lungs are depressurized to 0.9 atm.
Fixed typo for you in your problem statement. :smile:
 
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