Thermodynamics - Two gases in a container

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a thermodynamics problem involving two gases, air and carbon monoxide, in a rigid, insulated container. Participants are attempting to determine the equilibrium temperature of the gases while addressing various aspects of the problem, including calculations related to internal energy, pressure, and volume changes during the process.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant calculates the equilibrium temperature but expresses uncertainty about the correctness of their answer.
  • Another participant corrects the mass of carbon monoxide from 4 kg to 5 kg and provides a revised equation for internal energy change.
  • Several participants inquire about how to calculate the volume and pressure at equilibrium, questioning whether the total volume changes.
  • There is a discussion about the use of specific heat at constant volume (Cv) and its relevance given that the specific volume of the gases changes as the partition moves.
  • One participant suggests using the ideal gas law to find initial volumes, given the known mass, temperature, and pressure of each gas.
  • Another participant raises a question about the appropriate value for the gas constant R and the need for consistent units in calculations.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the use of Cv in the calculations, with some questioning its applicability in the context of changing volumes. There is no consensus on the correct approach to determine the equilibrium temperature or the subsequent calculations for pressure and volume.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not established a clear method for calculating the final pressures and volumes, and there are unresolved questions regarding the initial conditions of the gases. The discussion reflects various assumptions and interpretations of thermodynamic principles.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students or individuals studying thermodynamics, particularly those interested in gas behavior in insulated systems and the application of ideal gas laws in problem-solving scenarios.

Charlie Anderson
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Homework Statement


Two kilograms of air at 5 bar, 350 K, and 5 kg of carbon monoxide, initially at 4 bar, 450 K, are confined to opposite sides of a rigid, well-insulated container by a partition. The partition is free to move and allows conduction from one gas to the other without energy storage in the partition itself. The air and carbon monoxide each behave as ideal gases with constant specific heat ratio, k = 1.395. Determine the equilibrium temperature.

Homework Equations


Q - W = delta U

Cp - Cv = R

Cp/Cv = k

Rair = 8.314 / Mwtair

Rco = 8.314 / Mwtco

Q = mCv(T2-T1)

The Attempt at a Solution



Carbon Monoxide
Cp - Cv = 0.297
Cp / Cv = k

Cv(k) - Cv = 0.297

1.395Cv - Cv = 0.297
0.395Cv = 0.297
Cv = 0.75

Air
Cp - Cv = 0.287
Cp / Cv = k

1.395Cv - Cv = 0.287
Cv = 0.73

This is where i feel i am going wrong.

Q = mCv(T2-T1)
Q = 0 as insulated closed system


Carbon Monoxide Air
0 = 4 x 0.75 (T2 - 450) 0 = 2 x 0.73 (T2 - 350)
0 = 3T2 - 1350 0 = 1.46T2 - 511

I made the two equations equal each other (not sure if that is correct)

1.46T2 - 511 = 3T2 - 1350
839 = 1.54T2
T2 = 544.8 K

I know this is the wrong answer but I am not sure why.

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There are 5 kg of CO, not 4. Also, since the change in internal energy is zero, $${5}(0.75)(T_2-450)+{2}(0.73)(T_2-350)=0$$
 
Chestermiller said:
There are 5 kg of CO, not 4. Also, since the change in internal energy is zero, $${5}(0.75)(T_2-450)+{2}(0.73)(T_2-350)=0$$
Ah I see! Thank you for your help.
 
How would you also work out the volume and pressure at equilibrium ?
 
Pol said:
How would you also work out the volume and pressure at equilibrium ?
Does the total volume change? What is the initial volume of each gas? Let V1 represent the final volume of air and V2 represent the final volume of CO. In terms of V1 and V2, what is the final pressure of each gas? At equilibrium, how do these pressures compare?
 
The total volume does change , but I don't know what equation to use to work out the pressure ?
 
Pol said:
The total volume does change , but I don't know what equation to use to work out the pressure ?
Actually, the total volume doesn't change. The only thing that happens is that the partition moves, so one chamber gets larger and the other gets smaller. To get the final pressure, I need you to answer the other questions that I asked.

Chet
 
I'm not really sure , I don't know the initial volume of each gas
 
Pol said:
I'm not really sure , I don't know the initial volume of each gas
Use the ideal gas law. You have the mass (i.e., the number of moles), the temperature, and the pressure of each gas.
 
  • #10
R the gas constant is 8.214 which I use aswell?
 
  • #11
Pol said:
R the gas constant is 8.214 which I use aswell?
If you use that (and the value is 8.314), you need to convert bars to Pa. You are aware of having to use consistent units, correct?
 
  • #12
why did we use cv?, spesific volume of the gases were changing as piston moves.
 
  • #13
fatih said:
why did we use cv?, spesific volume of the gases were changing as piston moves.
What is your definition of Cv? What is the effect of specific volume on the internal energy per unit mass of an ideal gas?
 
  • #14
amount of heat needed to raise the temperature of one kilogram of mass by 1 kelvin if the substance is at "Constant Volume". But volume isn't constant
 
  • #15
fatih said:
amount of heat needed to raise the temperature of one kilogram of mass by 1 kelvin if the substance is at "Constant Volume". But volume isn't constant
In thermodynamics, that's an incorrect definition. In thermodynamics, it is the change in internal energy at constant volume of one kg of material resulting from a change in temperature of 1 kelvin. For an ideal gas, what is the effect of volume on internal energy?
 

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