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

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a thermodynamics problem involving a closed system of gas where the relationship pV^n=constant is applied. Participants are tasked with finding the value of n, determining specific volumes, and sketching the process on pressure-volume coordinates.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore whether unit conversions are necessary for the equation p1V1^n=p2V2^n and discuss the implications of using weight versus mass in calculations. There is also a question about the nature of the graph required for the pressure-volume coordinates.

Discussion Status

Some participants have reached tentative conclusions regarding unit cancellations and the approach to finding specific volume. However, there remains uncertainty about the definitions of weight and mass in the context of the problem, and multiple interpretations of the graphing requirements are being explored.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the lack of clarity in the problem statement regarding whether the given 2 lb refers to mass or weight, which affects their calculations. Additionally, there is ambiguity about the conventions used in the thermodynamics context.

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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