Thermodynamics - cyclic pressure/volume process

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SUMMARY

The forum discussion centers on a thermodynamics problem involving an ideal gas undergoing a cyclic pressure/volume process. The process includes adiabatic, isobaric, and isothermal segments, with specific energy transfers quantified as 98 kJ entering the system and 158 kJ leaving. The key equations utilized are the first law of thermodynamics, ΔE = Q + W, and the work done during isobaric and isothermal processes. The user seeks assistance in calculating the difference in internal energy between points B and A, emphasizing the need for clarity on how to approach the calculations for each segment of the cycle.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the first law of thermodynamics
  • Familiarity with adiabatic, isobaric, and isothermal processes
  • Knowledge of calculating work done in thermodynamic processes
  • Ability to interpret pressure-volume (P-V) diagrams
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the first law of thermodynamics in detail
  • Learn how to calculate work done in isothermal processes using W = nrTln(Vi/Vf)
  • Explore the concept of internal energy changes in cyclic processes
  • Review examples of P-V diagrams and their corresponding thermodynamic processes
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for students studying thermodynamics, particularly those tackling ideal gas problems and cyclic processes. It is also useful for educators and professionals seeking to reinforce their understanding of energy transfer in thermodynamic systems.

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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