Why use c_p and not c_v as specific heat - Thermodynamics

In summary, the conversation discusses the problem of precooling a refrigerated truck with specified dimensions from 25°C to 5°C, with a heat gain rate of 120 W/°C and a refrigeration capacity of 11 kW. The solutions manual uses the formula Q=mc_p\Delta T to calculate the heat removed, but the question arises as to why c_p is used instead of c_v for a closed system. The conversation also mentions that a truck is not a completely closed system due to potential venting.
  • #1
yjl
8
0
Hey all,

I am working on a problem that goes like this:

The cargo space of a refrigerated truck whose inner
dimensions are 12 m 3 2.3 m 3 3.5 m is to be precooled
from 25°C to an average temperature of 5°C. The construc-
tion of the truck is such that a transmission heat gain occurs
at a rate of 120 W/°C. If the ambient temperature is 25°C,
determine how long it will take for a system with a refrigera-
tion capacity of 11 kW to precool this truck.


The solutions manual calculates the mass of the air inside the truck and afterwards does
[tex]Q=mc_p\Delta T[/tex]
to calculate the amount of heat removed.

My question is: why do we use [tex]c_p[/tex] here and not [tex]c_v[/tex]
It's a closed system, such that
[tex]Q=m(u_2-u_1)=mc_v\Delta T[/tex]
right?
 
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  • #2
yjl said:
It's a closed system
How does the solution manual
yjl said:
The solutions manual calculates the mass of the air inside the truck
 
  • #3
A truck is not really a closed system. It's much more liely to be vented somewhere to atmospheric pressure.
 

1. Why is c_p used instead of c_v in thermodynamics?

The specific heat at constant pressure (c_p) is used in thermodynamics because most processes in real-life systems occur at constant pressure. This means that the pressure remains constant throughout the process, and therefore, c_p is a more relevant and practical measure of heat capacity.

2. What is the difference between c_p and c_v?

The main difference between c_p and c_v is that c_p measures the heat capacity at constant pressure, while c_v measures the heat capacity at constant volume. This means that c_p takes into account the work done by the system against the external pressure, while c_v does not.

3. Can c_p and c_v be used interchangeably?

No, c_p and c_v cannot be used interchangeably. They have different values and represent different physical quantities. Using the wrong specific heat value can lead to incorrect calculations and predictions in thermodynamic processes.

4. How are c_p and c_v related?

The relationship between c_p and c_v is given by the specific heat ratio (γ), which is the ratio of c_p to c_v. This ratio is dependent on the type of gas and is used in thermodynamic equations to relate changes in temperature, pressure, and volume.

5. Are there any exceptions where c_v is used instead of c_p?

Yes, there are some cases where c_v is used instead of c_p, such as in adiabatic processes where there is no heat transfer and the pressure remains constant. In these cases, c_v is a more relevant measure of heat capacity as it does not take into account the work done by the system against external pressure.

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