Which process results in greater work done for the expansion of an ideal gas?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on comparing the work done during the expansion of an ideal gas in isothermal and isobaric processes. It concludes that the work done in an isobaric process, represented by the equation W = pΔV, is greater than that in an isothermal process, given the same initial and final conditions. The work done in the isothermal process is calculated using W = nRT ln(V2/V1), where n is the number of moles, R is the gas constant, and T is the temperature. The participants suggest using specific values for pressure, volume, and temperature to empirically verify these results.

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  • Understanding of ideal gas laws, specifically pV = nRT
  • Familiarity with thermodynamic processes: isothermal and isobaric
  • Basic calculus for evaluating integrals in work calculations
  • Knowledge of boundary work in closed systems, particularly with piston-cylinder devices
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  • Investigate the implications of varying pressure and volume on work done in isobaric processes
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DMBdyn
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1. Consider an I.G. expanding from a given state to a fixed final volume at either an isobaric or isothermal process. For which case is the work done greater?
2.Energy balance: \sumEin - \sumEout = (Win - Wout) + (Qin - Qout) = \DeltaU; W = \int Fds

Where Q represents heat, W represents work, U represents internal energy, and E represents total energy of the system.

The Attempt at a Solution



Work done for the expansion of an ideal gas at an isothermal process (all integrals taken from 1 to 2):

Wb = \int F*ds

Where F = p*A, and A*ds = dV;

Wb = \int p*dV

Pressure is decreasing, and using the ideal gas law is a function of volume;

p*V = n*R*T -> p = (n*R*T)/V

Knowing n*R*T to be a constant, and calling this constant k, we have:

Wb = k*\int dV/V = k*ln(V2/V1

The example used is a P-C (piston cylinder device), and is a closed system. Here, we note that boundary work will be greater than 1, because V2 is greater than V1.

-----------------------------------------------------

Work done for the expansion of an ideal gas at an isobaric process (again, all integrals taken from 1 to 2):

W = \int F*ds

F = p*A; A*ds = dV, therefore:

W =\int p*dV

Here, pressure is constant, so

W = p*\int dV = p*\DeltaV

--------------------------------------------------------

I'm not too sure where to go from here, and am also not sure if the above expressions are correct. Picking initial and final conditions to be the same for both functions, however, I find that the work done in an isobaric process is greater than the work done in an isothermal process.

Thanks
DMBdyn
 
Last edited:
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I have a feeling that we're in the same class, seriously.

Anyways...

From our formula sheet:

Work for a compressible substance undergoing isothermal quasi-static process:

W=mRT*ln(V2/V1)

Work for compressible substance undergoing isobaric quasi-static process:

W=p\DeltaV

From there pick some values for p, V1, V2 and T. Use the same values for both equations and see which one results in more work being done.
 
Last edited:

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