Thermodynamics: ideal gas undergoing an isothermal process

atlantic
Messages
21
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



For an ideal gas, undergoing a quasistatic process, the equations below are correct. Evaluate them given that we have an isothermal process

Homework Equations



PV^\alpha=K where K is a constant and \alpha=C-C_P/C-C_V

W = \frac{K}{\alpha -1} (\frac{1}{V_f^{\alpha-1}}-\frac{1}{V_i^{\alpha-1}})
Q = C(T_f -T_i)
\Delta S= Cln\frac{T_f}{T_i}



The Attempt at a Solution


For an isothermal process, ΔT = 0, but what does that mean for the equations given? First I though it would mean that C→∞, but that would mean that Q=0 and W→∞ (because \alpha→1), which clearly is not correct.

How should I argue?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Or does these equations not apply for isothermal processes?
 
atlantic said:

Homework Statement



For an ideal gas, undergoing a quasistatic process, the equations below are correct. Evaluate them given that we have an isothermal process

Homework Equations



PV^\alpha=K where K is a constant and \alpha=C-C_P/C-C_V
This looks wrong. For example, if it's an isothermal process, α = 1 but then (C-Cp)/(C-Cv) = 1 or Cp = Cv which is definitely not true for an ideal gas.
 
rude man said:
This looks wrong. For example, if it's an isothermal process, α = 1 but then (C-Cp)/(C-Cv) = 1 or Cp = Cv which is definitely not true for an ideal gas.

I though α=1 because C→∞ (C=Q/dT, where dT→0)?

Anyways, I'm thinking that these equations are not good to use when the process is isothermal, as the equations for the work, heat and entropy becomes of the type: ∞ muliplied with 0. Do you think this is a good conclusion?
 
The point of the problem might be to figure out how these indeterminate forms can be evaluated and to show the result is what you'd expect for an isothermal process.
 
Thread 'Need help understanding this figure on energy levels'
This figure is from "Introduction to Quantum Mechanics" by Griffiths (3rd edition). It is available to download. It is from page 142. I am hoping the usual people on this site will give me a hand understanding what is going on in the figure. After the equation (4.50) it says "It is customary to introduce the principal quantum number, ##n##, which simply orders the allowed energies, starting with 1 for the ground state. (see the figure)" I still don't understand the figure :( Here is...
Thread 'Understanding how to "tack on" the time wiggle factor'
The last problem I posted on QM made it into advanced homework help, that is why I am putting it here. I am sorry for any hassle imposed on the moderators by myself. Part (a) is quite easy. We get $$\sigma_1 = 2\lambda, \mathbf{v}_1 = \begin{pmatrix} 0 \\ 0 \\ 1 \end{pmatrix} \sigma_2 = \lambda, \mathbf{v}_2 = \begin{pmatrix} 1/\sqrt{2} \\ 1/\sqrt{2} \\ 0 \end{pmatrix} \sigma_3 = -\lambda, \mathbf{v}_3 = \begin{pmatrix} 1/\sqrt{2} \\ -1/\sqrt{2} \\ 0 \end{pmatrix} $$ There are two ways...
Back
Top