Thermodynamics, ideal gas, probability distributions

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SUMMARY

The discussion revolves around thermodynamic calculations involving an ideal gas, specifically focusing on the probability distribution of gas particle velocities and various thermodynamic processes. The probability distribution for the velocity component v_x is given by P ∝ e^{-m v_x^2 / (2 k_B T)}, where m is the mass of a gas particle and T is the temperature. Key calculations include the normalized probability distribution, average velocities, heat transfer during isothermal compression, and work done during adiabatic expansion. The final query seeks to determine the volume of the gas after expansion, given specific temperature and pressure conditions.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of ideal gas laws and equations
  • Familiarity with statistical mechanics concepts, particularly probability distributions
  • Knowledge of thermodynamic processes, including isothermal and adiabatic expansions
  • Proficiency in calculus for evaluating integrals related to probability and thermodynamic equations
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  • Study the derivation and application of the Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution in statistical mechanics
  • Learn about the first law of thermodynamics and its implications for heat transfer and work
  • Explore the concepts of isothermal and adiabatic processes in greater detail
  • Investigate the ideal gas law and its applications in real-world scenarios
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This discussion is beneficial for physics students, thermodynamics enthusiasts, and anyone involved in the study of gas behavior and statistical mechanics, particularly in understanding the mathematical foundations of gas laws and thermodynamic processes.

SoggyBottoms
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I need some help with e), but could someone also check to see if the rest is correct?

Homework Statement


The velocity component v_x of gas particles in the x-direction is measured and the probability distribution for v_x is found to be P \propto e^{-\frac{-m v_x^2}{2 k_B T}} with m the mass of a gas particle and T the temperature.

a) Calculate the normalized probability distribution.

b) Calculate \langle v_x \rangle and \langle v_x^2 \rangle

c) Assume the gas is ideal and consists of N identical point-particles. The gas is isothermally compressed at temperature T from volume V to volume V/2, with N unchanged. Calculate the heat Q that is transferred to the surroundings.

d) Now from the volume V/2 the gas is adiabatically expanded to the original volume V. Calculate the end temperature T', the work done by the gas W' and the added heat Q' during this expansion.

e) After this expansion to volume V the gas has a temperature of T = 27 degrees Celsius and a pressure of 9 atmosphere. The number of gas particles is equal to Avogadro's constant N = 6 \times 10^23. Calculate the volume V in litres.

The Attempt at a Solution



a) 1 = \int_{-\infty}^{\infty} e^{-\frac{-m v_x^2}{2 k_B T}} dv_x = A \sqrt{\frac{2 k_B T \pi}{m}}
So P = \sqrt{\frac{m}{2 k_B T \pi}}e^{-\frac{-m v_x^2}{2 k_B T}}

b) \langle v_x \rangle = \sqrt{\frac{m}{2 k_B T \pi}} \int_{-\infty}^{\infty} v_x e^{-\frac{-m v_x^2}{2 k_B T}} dv_x = 0
\langle v_x^2 \rangle = \sqrt{\frac{m}{2 k_B T \pi}} \int_{-\infty}^{\infty} v_x^2 e^{-\frac{-m v_x^2}{2 k_B T}} dv_x = \sqrt{\frac{m}{2 k_B T \pi}} \frac{1}{2} \sqrt{\frac{m^3 \pi}{8 k_B^3 T^3}}
c) \Delta W = - \int_{V}^{V/2} \rho dV = - \int_{V}^{V/2} \frac{N k_B T}{V} dV = -N k_B T \ln{\frac{1}{2}}
This is equal (save for the minus sign) to the amount of heat that is transferred to the surroundings, because we have that dW = - dQ.

d) In an adiabatic expansion there is no flow of heat, so Q' = 0 and dU = dW = C_V dT = -\rho dV = -\frac{N k_B T}{V} dV. This leads to:

\ln \frac{T'}{T} = - \frac{N k_B}{C_V} \ln \frac{V/2}{V}
Thus:

T' = \frac{1}{2} e^{- \frac{N k_B}{C_V}}
The work W' is:

W' = -\int_{V/2}^{V} \frac{N k_B T}{V} dV = N k_B T \ln 2
e) I can't just plug the numbers into the ideal gas equation since I'm missing the pressure, but I don't know how to do this one.
 
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Anyone got any idea about e)?
 

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