Thermodynamics problem for gas expansion at constant-volume

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SUMMARY

The forum discussion centers on a thermodynamics problem involving a sample of 1.00 mol of a perfect gas with a specific heat capacity of C_{p,m}=7/2*R, undergoing constant-volume heating to twice its initial pressure. Participants confirm that the problem cannot be solved without knowing the initial temperature or volume, as the equations provided (PV=nRT and ΔU=nC_{p,m}ΔT) require this information. The discussion also highlights a discrepancy in the textbook, Atkin's P. Chem, 9th Edition, which may have incorrectly modified the problem from a volume change to a pressure change.

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  • Understanding of ideal gas laws, specifically PV=nRT
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  • Knowledge of specific heat capacities, particularly C_{p,m} and C_{v,m}
  • Ability to manipulate equations involving pressure, volume, and temperature
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Homework Statement


This is a paraphrase, since this is only part of a 3 part question.

A sample of 1.00 mol perfect gas molecules with C_{p,m}=7/2*R and initial pressure of 1.00 atm undegoes constant-volume heating to twice its initial pressure. Find q, w, ΔU, and ΔH.

Homework Equations


PV=nRT
\Delta U=nC_{p,m}ΔT

The Attempt at a Solution



p_{f}=2p_{i} so Δp = 2p_{i}-p_{i}=p_{i}

Since the volume is constant, V_{i}=V_{f} which lends itself neatly to give

\Delta T = \Delta pV / nR = p_{i}V_{i}/nR = T_{i}Sure, it's a neat solution but it's obviously not the correct one since I don't have the initial temperature. I've tried other ways but don't see how this is possible given the information supplied. Any help would be appreciated.

The books solution requires a temperature change of 298 K, if that helps.
 
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If someone could just tell me whether this is even possible with the given information I would be grateful. It's from the Atkin's P. Chem textbook, 9th Edition. A second reason to suspect that it's not is because the 8th Edition version of this problem was written as "undegoes constant-volume heating to twice its initial volume" which makes no sense at all. I think they changed volume to pressure and forgot to add the needed information to solve it.

If someone could just confirm it would put my mind at ease. Otherwise I'm left sitting here thinking I'm an idiot.
 
It is not possible. You need to know the initial temperature or the initial volume.

Chet
 
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Thanks Chester. I spent way too much time looking for a solution to this problem!
 
BTW, your equation for ΔU is incorrect. That is the equation for ΔH.

Chet
 
Ah, you're right. That was a typo in haste, I have it down on paper as Cvm = Cpm-R. Thanks again. I've been finding many errors with this p. chem textbook, beginning to wonder why it's so highly recommended.
 

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