Solving Unusual Problems: Using the Polytropic Ideal Gas Equation

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving problems using the polytropic ideal gas equation, specifically the formula (p2/p1)^(k-1)/k = T2/T1, where k is the specific heat ratio, set at 1.4 for air. Participants shared calculations for temperature changes when transitioning between pressures of 1 atm to 1.1 atm and 1 atm to 0.9 atm, yielding results of 114°F and 82°F, respectively. Assumptions included constant specific heat (cp) and treating breathable air as an ideal gas. The conversation emphasizes the importance of showing all steps in calculations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the polytropic ideal gas equation
  • Knowledge of specific heat ratios, particularly for air (k = 1.4)
  • Familiarity with unit conversions, especially between Fahrenheit and psi
  • Basic algebraic manipulation skills for solving equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation and applications of the polytropic ideal gas equation
  • Learn about specific heat capacities for different gases
  • Explore unit conversion techniques between different temperature and pressure units
  • Practice solving real-world problems involving gas laws and thermodynamics
USEFUL FOR

Students studying thermodynamics, physics educators, and anyone interested in applying the polytropic ideal gas equation to practical problems in gas behavior.

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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