Thermodynamics Work from pressure

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To determine the work done on each pound-mass of air pumped into bicycle tires at 80 psig, the relevant equation is W = nRT * ln(V2/V1). The air volume is reduced by a factor of 5.7, leading to a pressure of 94.7 psi inside the tire. The standard atmospheric pressure is 14.7 psi, which is added to the gauge pressure for calculations. The discussion clarifies that for isothermal compression, the pressure ratio can replace volume in the equation, allowing the calculation of work per pound-mass without needing to know the number of moles (n). Ultimately, the focus is on finding the work done in lbf-ft/lbm.
Logan McEntire
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Homework Statement


The tires on a bicycle require an air pressure of 80 psig. When isothermally pumped up the bicycle tires, the volume of the air (that was originally in the atmosphere) is reduced by a factor of 5.7. Please determine the work that must be done on each lbm of air that is pumped into the tires. Please report your answer in lbf-ft/lbm.
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Homework Equations


W=nRT*ln(V2/V1)
Pv=nRT

The Attempt at a Solution


My attempt might be very wrong, but this is what i tried.
I simplified Pv=nRT to T=PV/nR
Plugged that into W=nRT*ln(V2/V1)
W=PV*ln(V2/V1)
I know the standard pressure (14.7psi) and the pressure inside the tire (80psig+14.7psi=94.7psi), but I don't know the volume of to plug in for the V.
 
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Use nRT, with T equal to room temperature.
 
What do I use for n?
 
For isothermal compression P1/P2 =V2/V2, instead of using volume, you can use pressure ratio
 
Logan McEntire said:
What do I use for n?
You are trying to get the work per pound mass. So you don't need to know n. You are solving for W/n.
 

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