Understanding Isothermal Work: Solving the Gas Compression Problem

In summary, the conversation discusses a problem in which the correct answer is 74 K. The asker is seeking guidance on how to arrive at this answer and mentions that chat GPT gave a different answer. The responders suggest using the ideal gas law and possibly a formula for isothermal work. The asker mentions that their course only covers algebra and not calculus, and eventually realizes that the work integral in terms of differential volume is needed to solve the problem.
  • #1
member 731016
Homework Statement
please see below
Relevant Equations
PV = nRT
For this problem,
1680050652434.png

dose anybody please give me guidance how they got 74 K as the answer? Note that chat GPT dose not give the correct answer (it gives the temperature of the gas is 1500 K).

Many Thanks!
 
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  • #2
This is a homework problem. You know the rules. Please show some work. I would also suggest that you look at the chat GPT answer and see whether there is anything you can use.
 
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  • #3
kuruman said:
This is a homework problem. You know the rules. Please show some work. I would also suggest that you look at the chat GPT answer and see whether there is anything you can use.
Thank you for your reply @kuruman!

Since this is an ideal gas, I though I could you the ideal gas law. So as far as I got was setting the temperatures equal ##\frac{P_iV_i}{nR} = \frac{P_fV_i}{5nR}## which gave ##5P_i = P_f##.

Many thanks!
 
  • #4
If you use calculus in your course, then your professor or textbook has probably derived a formula for the work associated with a quasi-static, isothermal expansion/compression of an ideal gas.
 
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  • #5
TSny said:
If you use calculus in your course, then your professor or textbook has probably derived a formula for the work associated with a quasi-static, isothermal expansion/compression of an ideal gas.
Thank you for your reply @TSny!

No sorry, this course is algebras based. We did not do the calculus parts and alot of the thermo so stuff it not really making sense very much.

Many thanks!
 
  • #6
TSny said:
If you use calculus in your course, then your professor or textbook has probably derived a formula for the work associated with a quasi-static, isothermal expansion/compression of an ideal gas.
Its an intro physics course so we cover dimensional analysis then thermo, and eventually mechanics and waves.
 
  • #7
Nevermind, I think I really overthought this simple problem. Sorry.
 
  • #8
Callumnc1 said:
Its an intro physics course so we cover dimensional analysis then thermo, and eventually mechanics and waves.
Ok. I wonder if the formula for isothermal work was given to you without a derivation. I don't see how to work the problem without this formula.
 
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  • #9
TSny said:
Ok. I wonder if the formula for isothermal work was given to you without a derivation. I don't see how to work the problem without this formula.
Thank you for your reply @TSny! Yeah, the only way I now realize that this problem to be solved is if we assume pressure it not constant, which then I have to use the work integral in terms of differential volume which was not shown in class. We were only shown ##W = P(V_2 - V_1)## which I now know assumes the special case where the pressure is constant.
 
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FAQ: Understanding Isothermal Work: Solving the Gas Compression Problem

What is isothermal work in the context of gas compression?

Isothermal work refers to the work done during a process in which the temperature of the gas remains constant. In the context of gas compression, this means that as the gas is compressed, the temperature does not change, which typically requires heat exchange with the surroundings to maintain thermal equilibrium.

How do you calculate the work done during an isothermal compression of an ideal gas?

The work done during an isothermal compression of an ideal gas can be calculated using the formula: W = -nRT ln(Vf/Vi), where W is the work done, n is the number of moles of gas, R is the universal gas constant, T is the absolute temperature, Vi is the initial volume, and Vf is the final volume. The negative sign indicates that work is done on the gas.

Why is heat exchange necessary in an isothermal process?

Heat exchange is necessary in an isothermal process to maintain a constant temperature. As the gas is compressed, it tends to increase in temperature due to the work done on it. To keep the temperature constant, heat must be removed from the gas, typically by transferring it to the surroundings.

What assumptions are made when solving isothermal gas compression problems?

The primary assumptions made are that the gas behaves ideally, meaning it follows the ideal gas law (PV = nRT), and that the process is carried out slowly enough to ensure thermal equilibrium with the surroundings, allowing the temperature to remain constant throughout the process.

How does the isothermal process differ from an adiabatic process in gas compression?

In an isothermal process, the temperature of the gas remains constant, which requires heat exchange with the surroundings. In contrast, an adiabatic process involves no heat exchange, so the temperature of the gas changes as it is compressed or expanded. In adiabatic compression, the gas temperature increases, whereas in isothermal compression, it remains the same.

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