Work done by a non-reversible heat engine

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on a theoretical non-reversible heat engine involving two gas chambers separated by a heat-conducting barrier. The left chamber contains a greater number of moles of gas and is at a higher temperature, while the right chamber, equipped with a piston, has fewer moles and is at a lower temperature. The process is confirmed to be isobaric, where heat flows from the left to the right chamber, causing gas expansion and piston movement. The final temperature of the gases is questioned, with the consensus that the work done by the right chamber does indeed affect the final temperature, leading to a decrease due to energy transfer as work.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of thermodynamic principles, specifically the laws of thermodynamics
  • Familiarity with concepts of isochoric and isobaric processes
  • Knowledge of gas laws and behavior under varying conditions
  • Basic principles of heat transfer and energy conservation
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the First and Second Laws of Thermodynamics in detail
  • Explore the concept of non-reversible processes in thermodynamics
  • Learn about the Carnot cycle and its implications for heat engines
  • Investigate the relationship between work done and temperature changes in gas systems
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for students of thermodynamics, mechanical engineers, and anyone interested in the principles of heat engines and energy transfer processes.

wil3
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Hello. I have a question about a theoretical heat engine I recently encountered in my coursework:

The setup is two chambers, one with more moles of a gas than the other, separated by a heat-conducting barrier. The right chamber has a small piston attached to it and is at a lower temperature.

The right chamber also has less moles of gas than the other. Presumably, heat would flow from the isochoric left chamber into the right chamber, causing the gas to expand isobarically and do the work of raising the piston.

I am certain that the transformation is isobaric, and my teacher has confirmed this in class notes. My question is whether the final temperature of the two gases will be the same as it would have been if the piston were not there and the systems were attached and the right one was isochoric.

I know that the right chamber does work, but for some reason I feel as if this does not affect the final temperature. Can anyone confirm?
 
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If work is done, the final temperature has to be lower. The energy transferred as work has to come from somewhere.
 

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