Thermal Physics - Calculating Work, Heat, and Internal Energy in a Gas Cylinder

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating work, heat, and internal energy changes in a gas cylinder scenario involving a piston. The work done on the system is calculated using the formula W = F*d, resulting in a positive work value. It is established that no heat is added to the gas during the process, leading to the conclusion that the change in internal energy (dU) equals the work done. The change in entropy is to be calculated using the thermodynamic identity dU = T dS - PdV, with guidance to refer to the Ideal Gas Properties of Air for further insights.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of thermodynamic principles, specifically work and energy calculations.
  • Familiarity with the Ideal Gas Law and properties of gases.
  • Knowledge of thermodynamic identities, particularly dU = T dS - PdV.
  • Basic proficiency in calculus for entropy calculations.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the Ideal Gas Law and its applications in thermodynamics.
  • Learn about the calculation of work done in thermodynamic systems.
  • Explore the concept of internal energy and its relation to heat and work.
  • Investigate entropy calculations and the significance of thermodynamic identities.
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Students of thermodynamics, physics enthusiasts, and professionals involved in mechanical engineering or energy systems who seek to deepen their understanding of gas behavior under pressure and work interactions.

Niles
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Homework Statement


A cylinder contains one litre of air at T = 300 K and P = 105
Pa. At one end of the cylinder is a massless piston, whose
surface area is 0.01 m^2. Suppose you push the piston in
suddenly, with a force of 2000 N. The piston moves only 1
mm, before being stopped by an immovable barrier.
(a) How much work have you done on the system?

(b) How much heat has been added to the gas?

(c) Assuming that all the energy added goes to the gas,
how much does the internal energy of the gas increase?

(d) Use the thermodynamic identity (dU = T dS −
PdV ) to calculate the change in entropy of the gas
(once it is back in equilibrium).

The Attempt at a Solution


a) The work done is simply: W = F*d - and the work done is positive.

b) No heat is being added, right? So the internal energy is just equal the work done one the gas, and the temperature rises. Can you confirm this statement?

c) We have (considering that b is correct) that dU = W.

d) Here I am a little lost. Can I calculate the entropy when dU = 0 and then when dU != 0 and then add them?
 
Last edited:
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Check the Ideal Gas Properties of Air table in any thermodynamic text. That should point you in the right direction.
 

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