What Is the Value of n in the Gas Law Equation for a Given Process?

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SUMMARY

The value of n in the gas law equation pV^n=constant can be determined using the initial and final states of the gas. Given p1=20 lb/in², V1=10 ft³, p2=100 lb/in², and V2=2.9 ft³, the relationship p1V1^n=p2V2^n allows for the calculation of n without needing to convert units. The specific volume at states 1 and 2 can be calculated using the formula for specific volume, which is mass divided by volume. Clarification on whether the given 2 lb refers to mass or weight is essential for accurate calculations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the ideal gas law and its applications.
  • Familiarity with pressure and volume units, specifically lb/in² and ft³.
  • Knowledge of specific volume calculations in thermodynamics.
  • Basic graphing skills for pressure-volume coordinate systems.
NEXT STEPS
  • Calculate the value of n using the provided gas law equation.
  • Determine the specific volume at states 1 and 2 using the mass and volume data.
  • Learn about the conventions of mass (lbm) and weight (lbf) in thermodynamics.
  • Practice sketching pressure-volume graphs for various thermodynamic processes.
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in thermodynamics, mechanical engineers, and anyone involved in gas process analysis will benefit from this discussion.

Saladsamurai
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Homework Statement


A closed system consisting of 2 lb of a gas undergoes a process in which pV^n=constant. For: p1=20 lb/in^2 , V1=10 ft^3 and p2=100lb/in^2 V2=2.9 ft^3

(a)What is n ?

(b)What is the specific volume at states 1 and 2 in ft^3/lb?

(c)Sketch the process on pressure-volume coordinates


For (a), I don't need to convert the units all to feet or all to inches right? i can just say p1V1^n=p2V2^n correct?

(b) Is just a matter of find the mass m=Weight/g

(c) Is confusing me? Is this just a graph? With p on the horizontal axis and V on the vertical?


Thanks!
 
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Okay, I got (a)...the units cancel anyway.

But for (b) I cannot tell if they are giving me 2lb as a mass or as a weight. It's a thermodynamics book, so I don't know what the convention is? they did not specify lbf (force) or lbm (mass)
 
Saladsamurai said:

Homework Statement


A closed system consisting of 2 lb of a gas undergoes a process in which pV^n=constant. For: p1=20 lb/in^2 , V1=10 ft^3 and p2=100lb/in^2 V2=2.9 ft^3

(a)What is n ?

(b)What is the specific volume at states 1 and 2 in ft^3/lb?

(c)Sketch the process on pressure-volume coordinates


For (a), I don't need to convert the units all to feet or all to inches right? i can just say p1V1^n=p2V2^n correct?
Correct.

P_1V_1^n = 5P_1(.29V_1)^n


(b) Is just a matter of find the mass m=Weight/g
Correct

(c) Is confusing me? Is this just a graph? With p on the horizontal axis and V on the vertical?
You have to plot points in between the end points as well.

AM
 
Saladsamurai said:
Okay, I got (a)...the units cancel anyway.

But for (b) I cannot tell if they are giving me 2lb as a mass or as a weight. It's a thermodynamics book, so I don't know what the convention is? they did not specify lbf (force) or lbm (mass)
Are the units of pressure Force/area or mass/area?

AM
 

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