Thermodynamics - please guide me through

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    Thermodynamics
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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around thermodynamics, specifically focusing on the efficiency of thermal engines and the operation of ideal refrigerators. Participants are examining claims of engine efficiency and the calculations related to the coefficient of performance for refrigerators.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss calculating the maximum efficiency of an engine using the Carnot cycle and the implications of claimed versus actual efficiency. Questions arise about the definitions of efficiency and coefficient of performance, as well as the application of the first law of thermodynamics in the context of a closed cycle.

Discussion Status

There is active engagement with the problems presented, with participants offering guidance and prompting further exploration of definitions and principles. Some participants express confusion regarding the calculations and definitions, indicating a productive dialogue without a clear consensus yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of the problems as stated, with specific numerical answers provided for reference. There is an acknowledgment of missing information necessary for complete resolution of the engine efficiency problem.

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Can someone please guide me through these problems..

(1) An inventor claims to have constructed an engine that has an efficiency of 72.0% when operated between the boiling and freezing points of water. Calculate the difference between the percentage difference between the claimed efficiency and the actual efficiency. (ans: 45.2%)


(2) An ideal refrigerator, with coefficient of performance 4.3 extracts heat from the cold chamber at the rate of 258J/cycle.
(i) How much work per cycle is required to operate the refrigerator? (ans: 60.0 J)


(ii) How much heat is added to the room environment each cycle? (ans: 318.0 J)
 
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jumoo32 said:
Can someone please guide me through these problems..

(1) An inventor claims to have constructed an engine that has an efficiency of 72.0% when operated between the boiling and freezing points of water. Calculate the difference between the percentage difference between the claimed efficiency and the actual efficiency. (ans: 45.2%)

So find the maximum efficiency of the engine (meaning it uses a carnot cycle) and check the difference.

jumoo32 said:
(2) An ideal refrigerator, with coefficient of performance 4.3 extracts heat from the cold chamber at the rate of 258J/cycle.
(i) How much work per cycle is required to operate the refrigerator? (ans: 60.0 J)

What is the definition of the coefficient of performance?

jumoo32 said:
(ii) How much heat is added to the room environment each cycle? (ans: 318.0 J)

What is the first law of thermodynamics for a closed cycle?
 
rock.freak667 said:
So find the maximum efficiency of the engine (meaning it uses a carnot cycle) and check the difference.

The efficiency of the engine is given by

[tex]e= \frac{W_{eng}}{|Q_h|}=\frac{|Q_h|-|Q_c|}{|Q_h|}= 1-\frac{|Q_c|}{|Q_h|}[/tex]

We are only told that the they claim the engine has efficiency 72.0%

[tex]0.72=\frac{W_{eng}}{|Q_h|}[/tex]

But we don't have any other information. So what do we need to do?

:confused:

What is the definition of the coefficient of performance?

The coefficient of preformance is given by

[tex]COP=\frac{|Q_c|}{W}[/tex] (cooling mode)

4.3= 258/W

W=60 :biggrin:

What is the first law of thermodynamics for a closed cycle?

It think for cyclic process, the internal energy is equal to 0. Because Q=-W

But here Q=-W=-60

But this is wrong, the correct answer has to be 318.0 J. :rolleyes:
 
(A) The maximum efficiency of a thermal engine operating between Ta and Tb>Ta is 1-Ta/Tb (see Carnot efficiency at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermal_efficiency)

(C) The internal energy is decreased at each cycle by 258J, you didn't consider that...
 
Thank you so much, I've got it! :smile:
 

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