Thermodynamics problem for gas expansion at constant-volume

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a thermodynamics problem involving a perfect gas undergoing constant-volume heating, where the initial pressure is given, and the final pressure is twice the initial pressure. The original poster attempts to find the heat transfer (q), work done (w), change in internal energy (ΔU), and change in enthalpy (ΔH) without knowing the initial temperature.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the necessity of knowing the initial temperature or volume to solve the problem. The original poster expresses uncertainty about the problem's feasibility with the provided information and questions the clarity of the problem statement due to discrepancies in textbook editions.

Discussion Status

Some participants have confirmed that the problem cannot be solved without additional information, specifically the initial temperature or volume. There is acknowledgment of potential errors in the textbook, and the discussion reflects a mix of concerns about the problem's setup and the original poster's understanding.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the problem's wording may have changed between textbook editions, leading to confusion about the necessary information for solving the problem.

wintermute++
Messages
29
Reaction score
0

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.
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
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
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: 1 person
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.
 

Similar threads

Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
958
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K