Thermodynamics Debacle: Ideal Gas Expansion and Work Calculation

  • Thread starter Thread starter a_lawson_2k
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Thermodynamics
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the adiabatic expansion of sulfur dioxide (SO2) gas, specifically addressing the calculation of final pressure, work done, and temperature ratio. The initial conditions include a volume of 5E-3 m³ and pressure of 1.1E5 Pa, with the gas expanding to 1E-2 m³. The correct final pressure is calculated using the equation P1V1^γ = P2V2^γ, yielding a value of 4.50E4 Pa, contrary to the user's calculation of 4.67E4 Pa. The work done by the gas is clarified to be 345J, as per the textbook, rather than the user's assumption of 285J.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of adiabatic processes in thermodynamics
  • Familiarity with the ideal gas law
  • Knowledge of the specific heat ratio (γ) and its implications
  • Proficiency in using thermodynamic equations for work calculation
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation and application of the adiabatic work equation: W = P1V1^γ(V2^(1-γ) - V1^(1-γ)) / (1 - γ)
  • Learn about the implications of reversible versus irreversible processes in thermodynamics
  • Explore the relationship between pressure, volume, and temperature in ideal gases
  • Investigate the significance of the specific heat ratio (γ) in different gases
USEFUL FOR

Students studying thermodynamics, particularly those tackling problems related to ideal gas behavior and adiabatic processes, as well as educators seeking to clarify concepts in gas expansion and work calculations.

a_lawson_2k
Messages
39
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



Quantity of SO2 occupies volume of 5E-3 m^3 at pressure of 1,1E5 Pa. The gas expands adiabatically to volume of 1E-2 m^3 doing 285J worth of work on its surroundings. Assume the gas may be treated as ideal.
A) Find final pressure of the gas if [tex]\gamma[/tex]=1,29
B) How much work does the gas do on its surroundings?
C) What is the final ratio of the gas to its initial temperature?

Homework Equations



[tex]W=\frac {{\it P_1 V_1}-{\it P_2 V_2}}{\gamma-1}[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution



I plugged in gamma, P1, V1 and V2, and got 4,67E4 Pa. The book says 4,50E4 Pa. Not sure how they got this.

The second part puzzles me, didn't they just tell me that the gas did 285J worth of work on its surroundings? (book says 345J)

I'm not even going to touch C until I get these out of the way.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
a_lawson_2k said:

Homework Statement



Quantity of SO2 occupies volume of 5E-3 m^3 at pressure of 1,1E5 Pa. The gas expands adiabatically to volume of 1E-2 m^3 doing 285J worth of work on its surroundings. Assume the gas may be treated as ideal.
A) Find final pressure of the gas if [tex]\gamma[/tex]=1,29
B) How much work does the gas do on its surroundings?
C) What is the final ratio of the gas to its initial temperature?

Homework Equations



[tex]W=\frac {{\it P_1 V_1}-{\it P_2 V_2}}{\gamma-1}[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution



I plugged in gamma, P1, V1 and V2, and got 4,67E4 Pa. The book says 4,50E4 Pa. Not sure how they got this.

The second part puzzles me, didn't they just tell me that the gas did 285J worth of work on its surroundings? (book says 345J)

I'm not even going to touch C until I get these out of the way.

Your equation is not correct. If the adiabatic expansion is reversible (constant equilibrium during expansion), the adiabatic condition applies and W will be:

[tex]W = \frac{P_1V_1^\gamma(V_2^{1-\gamma}-V1^{1-\gamma})}{1-\gamma}[/tex]

Try that and see if you get their answer. Ignore the 285J. It is an error if the expansion is reversible. If it is not reversible, the question makes no sense.

AM
 
How does the [tex]P_2[/tex] come into play in that case?

EDIT: used the wrong equation in this case, [tex]p_1 V_1^\gamma=p_2 V_2^\gamma[/tex] works.
 
Last edited:

Similar threads

  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 33 ·
2
Replies
33
Views
3K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
12
Views
3K