Change in entropy of an ideal gas during thermodynamic cycle

In summary, the conversation discusses an ideal gas undergoing a complete thermodynamic cycle with three steps. The first step involves increasing pressure at constant volume, the second step involves adiabatic expansion, and the third step involves decreasing volume at constant pressure. The PV diagram for the cycle is included and the change in entropy for each step is calculated. The conversation then discusses using the adiabatic relations to eliminate pressure and show that the total entropy change for the cycle is equal to zero.
  • #1
Elvis 123456789
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Homework Statement


An ideal gas with adiabatic index γ is taken around a complete thermodynamic cycle consisting of three steps. Starting at point A, the pressure is increased at constant volume V1 from P1 to P2 at point B. From point B to point C, the gas is allowed to expand adiabatically from volume V1 and pressure P2 to volume V2 and the original pressure P1. Finally, from point C to point A, the volume of the gas is decreased at constant pressure P1 back to the original volume V1.

a) Make a PV diagram of the complete cycle.

b) For each step of the cycle, determine the change in the entropy of the gas. Sum your results to find the total entropy change for the whole cycle. Note that every step is reversible.

c) Use the adiabatic relations to eliminate the pressure from your result for part b. Show that the resulting expression gives a total entropy change for the complete cycle equal to zero.

Homework Equations


ΔS = CP*ln(V/V0) + CV*ln(P/P0)

The Attempt at a Solution


I did part a.) which is in the attachment, as well as my work so far for part b.). I'm not sure how to express the heat capacities in terms of the adiabatic index... any hints?
 

Attachments

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  • #2
What you have is correct so far. How do P1, P2, V1, and V2 have to be related for the adiabatic expansion?
 

Related to Change in entropy of an ideal gas during thermodynamic cycle

1. What is the definition of entropy in thermodynamics?

In thermodynamics, entropy is a measure of the disorder or randomness in a system. It is a state function that describes the distribution of energy in a system and how it changes over time.

2. How does an ideal gas behave during a thermodynamic cycle?

An ideal gas follows the ideal gas law, which states that the pressure, volume, and temperature of the gas are related by PV = nRT. During a thermodynamic cycle, the gas undergoes a series of changes in pressure, volume, and temperature, while still following this law.

3. What is the change in entropy of an ideal gas during a thermodynamic cycle?

The change in entropy of an ideal gas during a thermodynamic cycle is zero. This is because the entropy of an ideal gas is only dependent on its temperature, and since the temperature returns to its initial value at the end of the cycle, there is no net change in entropy.

4. How does the change in entropy of an ideal gas affect its efficiency?

The change in entropy of an ideal gas does not have a direct effect on its efficiency. However, it is a factor in calculating the efficiency of a thermodynamic process. The efficiency is determined by the change in entropy of the gas compared to the total change in entropy of the system.

5. Can the change in entropy of an ideal gas be negative?

No, the change in entropy of an ideal gas cannot be negative. Entropy is a measure of disorder, and it is always increasing. In an ideal gas, the molecules have no intermolecular forces, so they are always in a state of maximum disorder. Therefore, the change in entropy can only be zero or positive.

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