Adiabatic Process and Heat Absorption

[jimbo71]

Homework Statement

An adiabatic process is performed on 15 moles of an ideal gas. the initial temperature is 320 K and the initial volume is 0.80m^3. the final volume is 0.40m^3. the adiabatic constant for the gas is 1.44
the heat absorbed by the gas in kJ is closest to
a. 0
b.+54
c.-14
d.-32
e.+14

Homework Equations

Q=0

The Attempt at a Solution

I think the heat absorbed by the gas is zero. I think this is a trick question because an adiabatic process involves no heat gained or lost. However, maybe I just misunderstand what consitutes an adiabatic process.

 

[rl.bhat]

You are right. An adiabatic process occures in the isolated system.

 

[thomate1]

If this is the case and the adiabatic constant is not equal to one, then the heat absorbed would be non-zero and we would need to use the formula Q=nCv(Tf-Ti), where n is the number of moles, Cv is the heat capacity at constant volume, and Tf and Ti are the final and initial temperatures respectively. However, since the adiabatic constant is given as 1.44, we can assume that the heat capacity at constant volume is not constant and therefore cannot be used in this equation. Therefore, the heat absorbed by the gas would still be zero. So, my final answer would be a. 0.