Thermodynamic Work: Non-Conducting Piston & Cylinder

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the work done by a non-conducting piston in a cylinder when heated gas causes displacement. The piston has mass m, area A, and is initially at height h with a relaxed spring of constant k. Participants suggest using the work-energy theorem, but express concerns about the impact of heat and changes in internal energy on the calculations. A clear statement of the problem and a detailed setup are necessary for effective problem-solving.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of thermodynamic principles, specifically work and energy transfer.
  • Familiarity with the work-energy theorem in physics.
  • Knowledge of free body diagrams and force balance equations.
  • Basic concepts of gas behavior under heating conditions.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the application of the work-energy theorem in thermodynamic systems.
  • Study free body diagram techniques for analyzing forces on pistons.
  • Learn about the relationship between heat transfer and internal energy changes in gases.
  • Explore the dynamics of spring forces in mechanical systems involving pistons.
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Students studying thermodynamics, physics enthusiasts, and anyone involved in mechanical engineering or related fields seeking to understand piston-cylinder systems and work calculations.

Hydrous Caperilla
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Homework Statement



A non-conducting piston of mass m and area of cross section A is placed on a non-conducting cylinder.
Intial height of piston is h and spring is relaxed with a spring constant k.Then,work done in displacing pistin by heating gas is (x is the displacement of the pistion)

The diagram is of a cylindrical cylinder with a piston and a spring attached to the pistin in the middle .The spring can be compressed without any restrictions

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

I thought of applying the work energy for this system but due to heat as well as change in internal energy,I think it won't work
 

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Hydrous Caperilla said:

Homework Statement



A non-conducting piston of mass m and area of cross section A is placed on a non-conducting cylinder.
Intial height of piston is h and spring is relaxed with a spring constant k.Then,work done in displacing pistin by heating gas is (x is the displacement of the pistion)

The diagram is of a cylindrical cylinder with a piston and a spring attached to the pistin in the middle .The spring can be compressed without any restrictions

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution



I thought of applying the work energy for this system but due to heat as well as change in internal energy,I think it won't work[/B]
First of all you need to tell us what the question is. Second, you need to explain the set up better or provide a drawing. Finally, you need to show in a bit more detail what you have done to solve the problem and explain why you think your approach does not work.

AM
 
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The only thing I had thought for this was to use work energy theorem because no other informations were provided

I thought of using- W gas+W atm+W spring+W gravity=KE(final)-K.E (Initial)

However since the gas is heated there because of heat therefore I don't think this will apply
 
Hydrous Caperilla said:
The only thing I had thought for this was to use work energy theorem because no other informations were provided

I thought of using- W gas+W atm+W spring+W gravity=KE(final)-K.E (Initial)

However since the gas is heated there because of heat therefore I don't think this will apply
Are you taking a formal course in Thermodynamics currently?

Since you would seem to like to apply concepts from freshman physics to this problem, using a free body diagram, what is the algebraic force balance equation on the piston?

Also, as Andrew Mason has requested, please provide an exact statement of this problem. If your next response does not include that exact wording, this thread will be deleted.
 

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