Thermodynamics - cyclic pressure/volume process

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on a thermodynamics problem involving an ideal gas undergoing a cyclic process with various stages: adiabatic, isobaric, and isothermal. The user seeks to determine the difference in internal energy between points B and A, noting that the overall change in energy for the complete cycle is zero due to conservation of energy. The user expresses confusion about calculating internal energy at specific points and how to apply the first law of thermodynamics effectively. Key equations for work and energy changes during the different processes are provided, but the user struggles with the lack of temperature data for isothermal calculations. Clarification on the steps to find the internal energy differences is requested, particularly how to relate the work done in each segment to the overall energy change.
TheStebes
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Homework Statement



A sample of an ideal gas goes through the process shown below. From A to B, the process is adiabatic; from B to C, it is isobaric with 98 kJ of energy entering the system by heat. From C to D, the process is isothermal; from D to A, it is isobaric with 158 kJ of energy leaving the system by heat. Determine the difference in internal energy, Eint, B-Eint, A.

(sorry I can't post the link to the actual graph)...
Point B: P=3atm, V=.09 m^3
Point C: P=3atm, V=.40
Point D: P=1atm, V=1.2
Point A: P=1atm, V=.20

Homework Equations



\DeltaE= Q + W
For cyclic process, \DeltaE=0, Q = -W

isobaric process, W=-P(V_{f}-V_{i}
isothermal process, W=nrTln(V_{i}/V_{f})

The Attempt at a Solution



I understand that based on conservation of energy, after completing one complete cycle, the overall change in energy will be 0. Basically, this means the net work done equals the area enclosed by the path. I'm confused at how you would solve for the energy at a single point though -- in order to find the difference between E,B and E,A. What equation would I use to calculate such an energy?

Using the equation Q=-W:

98 - 158 = -[W_{B,C} + W_{C,D} + W_{D,A} + W_{A,B}]

W_{B,C} = -P(V_{f}-V_{i} = -94kJ
W_{D,A} = -P(V_{f}-V_{i} = 101.325

W_{C,D} and W_{A,B} are isothermal processes which can be solved with W=nrTln(V_{i}/V_{f}), but no information is provided about the temperature.

At this point, I'm stuck.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Scott
 
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This is also a problem I am having trouble with, the last point I need. Here's the picture relevant to our problem:

webassign.net/pse/p20-32.gif
 
TheStebes said:

Homework Statement



A sample of an ideal gas goes through the process shown below. From A to B, the process is adiabatic; from B to C, it is isobaric with 98 kJ of energy entering the system by heat. From C to D, the process is isothermal; from D to A, it is isobaric with 158 kJ of energy leaving the system by heat. Determine the difference in internal energy, Eint, B-Eint, A.

(sorry I can't post the link to the actual graph)...
Point B: P=3atm, V=.09 m^3
Point C: P=3atm, V=.40
Point D: P=1atm, V=1.2
Point A: P=1atm, V=.20

The process from A to B is not isothermal. It is adiabatic.

I am not sure what the question is. Are you trying to find the difference in internal energy of the gas between points B and A?

If so, Find the change in internal energy from B-C, C-D and D-A using the first law:

\Delta U_{BC} = Q_{BC} - W_{BC}

i) Work out W from the area under the graph from B-C.
ii) What is the change in U from C-D? (easy)
iii) What is it from D-A? (similar to i))

How is the total of i + ii + iii related to the change in U from A-B?

AM
 
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