Hi Geniuses,

Just need some help to check whether i have used the right calculations to work out a problem.

the question states:

Calculate the final temperature of a sample of carbon dioxide (assume ideal gas) of mass 16g that is expanded reversibly and adiabatically from 500mL to 2.00L. The constant pressure heat capacity of CO₂ is 37.11 J k^-1 mol^-1 .


Here is my working:

1.) the process is adiabatic and reversible, therefore, (heat)q=0,    
      (work) w=0 and internal energy change delta U=0.

2.) entropy change, delta S = q_rev/T= 0

So, if the pressure of the system is held constant (delta P=0) as indicated by the constant pressure heat capacity value given in the question and the moles (n) are also held constant, then the total entropy change of the system can be calculted by using the following equation:

delta S_sys= n*C_pln(T_final / T_initial) + n*R ln(V_final/V_initial)

Now if delta S is zero for a reversible adiabatic process, the above equation is equal to zero, therefore, the final temperature can be calculated by solving this equation. ( can't it )

Looking at the values given in the question:

n= 16g*(1mol CO₂ / 44.0098g) = 0.36355589mol CO₂

V_initial=0.5L

V_final=2.0L

T_initial=298.15K

C_p=37.11 J K^-1 mol^-1

and inserting into the equation:

[(0.36355589mol)(37.11 J K^-1 mol^-1) ln (T_final / 298.15K)] + [(0.36355589mol)(8.314472 J K mol) ln (2.0L / 0.5L)] = 0

Which simplifies to:

(13.49155908 J K^-1) ln (T_final / 298.15K) + 4.190456309 J K = 0

so:

(13.49155908 J K^-1) ln (T_final / 298.15K) = -4.190456309 J K

Rearranging:

ln (T_final / 298.15K) = -4.190456309 J K / 13.49155908 J K^-1

so:

ln (T_final / 298.15K) = -0.310598373

then:

(T_final / 298.15K) = e^-0.310598373

And finally:

T_final = (e^-0.310598373)*(298.15K)

                         = 218.5463986K

Rounding off:

T_final = 218.55K

If anyone can confirm that this was the right method to use i would appreciate it greatly, is there a simpler way to calculate final temperature in a reversible adiabatic process?

cheers,

madscientist :albert:

1.) the process is adiabatic and reversible, therefore, (heat)q=0,    
      (work) w=0 and internal energy change delta U=0.

This is dodgy: adiabatic means Q = 0. It does not imply that W = dU = 0

So, if the pressure of the system is held constant (delta P=0) as indicated by the constant pressure heat capacity value given in the question and the moles (n) are also held constant, then the total entropy change of the system can be calculted by using the following equation ...

If pressure is constant, then you can use Charles' Law directly to find the final temperature. You need not use Cp at all to final the final temperature.

However, there is no grounds in assuming constant pressure. Below is my proof why constant pressure should be assumed:
Since this is an adiabatic process, then dU = W = -p.dV
dU = Cv.dT = -p.dV
for Perfect Gas, Cp - Cv = R => Cv = Cp - R
(Cp - R)dT = -p.dV
Cp.dT - R.dT = -p.dV
differentiating the perfect gas equation,
d(pV) = d(RT) => p.dV + V.dp = R.dT
Cp.dT - (p.dV + V.dp) = -p.dV
Cp.dT - V.dp = 0 => Cp.dT = V.dp

For reversible adiabatic process involving a perfect gas,
Unless dT = 0, then dP = 0. This means if the reversible adiabatic process is isobaric, then it must be isothermal. However, from the perfect gas equation (PV = nRT), it is evident that volume of a fixed mass of gas is constant if its pressure and temperature are held constant.

Since this question requires the gas to expand, then pressure and temperature cannot be constant. Hence, the assumption for constant pressure is invalid

R ln (V1/V2) = Cv ln ( T2/T1)

Your method is a sub-derivation from my proof.

Since we know that dU = - p.dV and dU = Cv.dT, then
Cv.dT = -p.dV = - (RT/V).dV
(Cv/T).dT = -(R/V)dV
integrate from T₁ to T₂(Cv/T).dT = integrate from V₁ to V₂ -(R/V)dV
=> Cv.ln(T₁/T₂) = -R.ln(V₁/V₂) = R.ln(V₂/V₁)

However, the PV^gamma = constant is a more useful equation.

It is valid for a perfect gas in both open and close system, undergoing an isoentropic process.

This is dodgy: adiabatic means Q = 0. It does not imply that W = dU = 0If pressure is constant, then you can use Charles' Law directly to find the final temperature. You need not use Cp at all to final the final temperature.

However, there is no grounds in assuming constant pressure. Below is my proof why constant pressure should be assumed:
Since this is an adiabatic process, then dU = W = -p.dV
dU = Cv.dT = -p.dV
for Perfect Gas, Cp - Cv = R => Cv = Cp - R
(Cp - R)dT = -p.dV
Cp.dT - R.dT = -p.dV
differentiating the perfect gas equation,
d(pV) = d(RT) => p.dV + V.dp = R.dT
Cp.dT - (p.dV + V.dp) = -p.dV
Cp.dT - V.dp = 0 => Cp.dT = V.dp

For reversible adiabatic process involving a perfect gas,
Unless dT = 0, then dP = 0. This means if the reversible adiabatic process is isobaric, then it must be isothermal. However, from the perfect gas equation (PV = nRT), it is evident that volume of a fixed mass of gas is constant if its pressure and temperature are held constant.

Since this question requires the gas to expand, then pressure and temperature cannot be constant. Hence, the assumption for constant pressure is invalid

Looking at what you have explained here:

V= nRT / P = constant at constant temp and pressure

therefore wouldnt it be possible for the temp or the pressure to be constant, I mean if volume of a fixed mass of ideal gas changes then isnt it possible for just the temp to change and the pressure remaining constant? (or vice versa?)

another quick q, if a system is isothermal does that mean that dT= 0?