Vaporization and change in internal energy

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around calculating the change in internal energy during the vaporization of water at constant pressure. Participants clarify that the change in volume (ΔV) should be calculated using the initial volume of the liquid (Vi) rather than assuming it to be zero. There is a debate about whether the first law of thermodynamics applies only to gases, with consensus that it applies to all states of matter. An example is provided where the initial volume of a liquid is considered in a similar calculation, reinforcing the importance of including the liquid's volume. The conversation highlights the nuances in thermodynamic calculations and the significance of accurate volume considerations.
songoku
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Homework Statement


Suppose 1 g of water vaporizes isobarically at atmosphere pressure (1.013 x 105 Pa). Its volume in the liquid state is Vi = 1 cm3, and its volume in the vapor state is Vf = 1671 cm3. Find the change in internal energy

Homework Equations


\Delta U = \Delta Q - \Delta W

\Delta W = p*\Delta V

The Attempt at a Solution


I want to ask about \Delta V.
\Delta V = V_2-V_1

V2 = Vf, and what is V1 ? Is it Vi or is it zero because volume of vapor is zero initially?

Thanks
 
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Hi songoku! :smile:

(have a del: ∆ :wink:)
songoku said:
Suppose 1 g of water vaporizes isobarically at atmosphere pressure (1.013 x 105 Pa). Its volume in the liquid state is Vi = 1 cm3, and its volume in the vapor state is Vf = 1671 cm3. Find the change in internal energy

V2 = Vf, and what is V1 ? Is it Vi or is it zero because volume of vapor is zero initially?

It's Vi. :smile:
 


Hi tiny-tim! :biggrin:

Why is it not zero? I think we have to consider the vapor state, excluding the liquid state. Does the first law of thermodynamics only apply for gas?

Thanks
 


The first law of thermodynamics applies to everything, not just gasses.
 


I encountered a very similar question.

Consider 100 g (100 cm3) of a liquid evaporating at constant pressure of 100 kPa to vapor of volume 0.167 m3. Assuming that the latent heat of vaporization of the liquid is 2.26 MJ kg-1 K-1 and the vapor behaves like an ideal gas, find the change internal energy.

On the manual, it is written :

note that the volume of gas is zero initially, so ∆V = 0.167 - 0

Is the manual wrong or am I missing something?

Thanks
 


That's weird.

It makes very little difference in the result, but I was pretty sure you should account for the original volume of the liquid -- if the accuracy of the given numbers warrants it.
 


ok

Thanks for your help, tiny-tim and Redbelly98 !
 
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