Thermodynamics-work, heat, & internal energy

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving thermodynamic problems involving work (W), heat (Q), and internal energy (E_int) using the first law of thermodynamics. Key equations include ΔE = Q - W, which is path independent. The participants analyze specific paths (iaf and ibf) and their respective values for Q and W, leading to the conclusion that the work done along path ibf is 11 cal, and the change in internal energy is consistently 40 cal across paths. The correct approach emphasizes the use of internal energy (U) instead of E for clarity in thermodynamic calculations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the first law of thermodynamics
  • Familiarity with internal energy (U) and its relationship to work (W) and heat (Q)
  • Ability to interpret thermodynamic diagrams and paths
  • Knowledge of calorimetry and energy units (calories)
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the first law of thermodynamics in detail
  • Learn to apply the concept of path independence in thermodynamic processes
  • Explore the implications of work done by and on a system in thermodynamic calculations
  • Investigate the relationship between heat transfer and internal energy changes in various thermodynamic paths
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in physics and engineering, particularly those studying thermodynamics, energy systems, and calorimetry. This discussion is beneficial for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of energy transformations in thermodynamic processes.

mbrmbrg
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Thermodynamics--work, heat, & internal energy

Homework Statement



When a system is taken from state i to state f along path iaf in Figure 18-41, Q = 60 cal and W = 20 cal. Along path ibf, Q = 51 cal.

Fig. 18-41 (see attatched)

(a) What is W along path ibf?
(b) If W = -13 cal for the return path fi, what is Q for this path?
(c) If E_int,i = 7 cal, what is Eint,f?
(d) If E_int,b = 18 cal what is Q for path ib?
(e) For the same value of E_int,b, what is Q for path bf?


Homework Equations



\Delta E = Q - W and is path independent

The Attempt at a Solution



(a) \Delta E_{iaf} = \Delta E_{ibf}
hereon, iaf will be abbreviated a, and ibf will be abbreviated b.
Q_a - W_a = Q_b - W_b
Q_a - W_b + Q_b = -W_b
60-20+51=-W_b=91
So W_b = -91 cal. Wrong. And yes the problem wants the answer in calories.
On the chance that they're giving work performed on the system rather than work performed by the system, I changed Q-W to Q+W, and got that W_b=29 cal, which is still wrong.

I used the same exact reasoning for part b (and got it wrong).

I got part C correct [47 cal] using the fact that DeltaE is path independent, and Delta E = final energy - initial energy.

Parts d and e I just have no idea where to begin. So I guessed 18 cal for both. Surprise! Both wrong...
 

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mbrmbrg said:

Homework Statement



When a system is taken from state i to state f along path iaf in Figure 18-41, Q = 60 cal and W = 20 cal. Along path ibf, Q = 51 cal.

Fig. 18-41 (see attatched)

(a) What is W along path ibf?
(b) If W = -13 cal for the return path fi, what is Q for this path?
(c) If E_int,i = 7 cal, what is Eint,f?
(d) If E_int,b = 18 cal what is Q for path ib?
(e) For the same value of E_int,b, what is Q for path bf?

Homework Equations



\Delta E = Q - W and is path independent

The Attempt at a Solution



(a) \Delta E_{iaf} = \Delta E_{ibf}
hereon, iaf will be abbreviated a, and ibf will be abbreviated b.
Q_a - W_a = Q_b - W_b
Q_a - W_b + Q_b = -W_b
60-20+51=-W_b=91
So W_b = -91 cal. Wrong. And yes the problem wants the answer in calories.
On the chance that they're giving work performed on the system rather than work performed by the system, I changed Q-W to Q+W, and got that W_b=29 cal, which is still wrong.

I used the same exact reasoning for part b (and got it wrong).

I got part C correct [47 cal] using the fact that DeltaE is path independent, and Delta E = final energy - initial energy.

Parts d and e I just have no idea where to begin. So I guessed 18 cal for both. Surprise! Both wrong...

a) First of all, I would recommend that you use U instead of E. W and U are both forms of energy, as is heat flow: Q). Singling out internal energy as E suggests that Q and W are something other than energy, which is not true.

dQ = dU + dW (where dW is the work done by the gas: PdV)

We know from the data given that the area under the path from a to f (dW, the work done by the gas in following the iaf path) is 20. We also know that this required a heat flow, dQ, into the gas of 60. So the change in internal energy, dU from i to f is 40, as you appear to have found.

Since, as you correctly stated, internal energy path independent, we know that following ibf, the change in U is the same: 40. So work done is just dQ - dU, where dQ is now the heat flow into the gas following ibf (51): dW = dQ - dU = 51-40 = 11 Cal.

I think you will see that in your algebra you just got a sign wrong.

b) the same reasoning as above applies to b).

c) just add the change in U to Ui

d) what is the change in U from i to b? You already know the work done (area under the graph from i to b). So you can get dQ.

e) Hint: Is there any work done in going from b to f (what is the area under the graph from b to f)?

AM
 
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