Specific heat at constant pressure formula help

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the application of the specific heat at constant pressure (c(p)) in a thermodynamic context, particularly when pressure varies throughout a system. Participants are examining the relevance of enthalpy in relation to the first law of thermodynamics and its implications for ideal gases.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are questioning why c(p) is used in a scenario where pressure is not constant, and whether this usage aligns with the principles of the first law of thermodynamics. There is also exploration of the relationship between enthalpy and pressure for ideal gases.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided insights regarding the applicability of enthalpy in the context of the first law of thermodynamics, suggesting that it is relevant despite pressure changes. The discussion is exploring multiple interpretations of how c(p) relates to enthalpy and the conditions of the system.

Contextual Notes

There is a focus on the implications of using enthalpy in an open system and the assumptions regarding ideal gases, particularly concerning their independence from pressure.

yecko
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Homework Statement


f2vSXtq.png

https://i.imgur.com/f2vSXtq.png

Homework Equations


Kjy1Tzh.png

https://i.imgur.com/Kjy1Tzh.png

The Attempt at a Solution


In this question, the pressure is different at different point, in other words it is not constant throughout the system. Why the solution use c(p) (or "enthalpy" h which specified for constant pressure system) as part of the formula used?

Thank you very much!
 
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yecko said:

Homework Statement


View attachment 211514
https://i.imgur.com/f2vSXtq.png

Homework Equations


View attachment 211515
https://i.imgur.com/Kjy1Tzh.png

The Attempt at a Solution


In this question, the pressure is different at different point, in other words it is not constant throughout the system. Why the solution use c(p) (or "enthalpy" h which specified for constant pressure system) as part of the formula used?

Thank you very much!
For an ideal gas, enthalpy is independent of pressure. Doesn't the open system version of the first law require you to use enthalpy?
 
Chestermiller said:
For an ideal gas, enthalpy is independent of pressure. Doesn't the open system version of the first law require you to use enthalpy?
Is that imply enthalpy is used just because the first law of thermodynamics is applicable?
And using Cp is not contradict to the situation of pressure changed, but rather Cp is used because it can trace out the enthalpy?
Thank you very much!
 
yecko said:
Is that imply enthalpy is used just because the first law of thermodynamics is applicable?

Yes. The open system version of the first law tells us that, for your problem the change in enthalpy is equal to the change in kinetic energy.
And using Cp is not contradict to the situation of pressure changed, but rather Cp is used because it can trace out the enthalpy?
Thank you very much!
Yes.
 

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