First Law of Thermodynamics and ideal gas

In summary, the ideal gas expands isothermally and performs 3.40x10^3 J of work. The change in internal energy is 0 and the heat absorbed during the expansion is 3400 J.
  • #1
brutalmadness
16
0

Homework Statement


An ideal gas expands isothermally, performing 3.40x10^3 J of work in the process.
a) The change in internal energy of the gas
b) The heat absorbed during this expansion


Homework Equations


[tex]\Delta[/tex]U=Q-W


The Attempt at a Solution


a) Since it's isothermally expanding, there will be no change in internal temperature, so:
[tex]\Delta[/tex]U=0

b) Q=W, so:
Q=-3400 J
 
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  • #2
Looks good, as long as positive heat means that the system is heating the environment and positive work means that the environment is doing work on the system. This sign convention is a little unconventional, though.
 
  • #3
brutalmadness said:
b) Q=W, so:
Good.
Q=-3400 J
How did that negative sign sneak in? (W is positive, so Q is positive.)
 
  • #4
Ah, ok. That was a silly mistake, lol :)

So Q=3400 J
 

Related to First Law of Thermodynamics and ideal gas

1. What is the First Law of Thermodynamics?

The First Law of Thermodynamics is a fundamental principle in physics that states that energy cannot be created nor destroyed, but can only be transferred or converted from one form to another.

2. How does the First Law of Thermodynamics relate to ideal gases?

The First Law of Thermodynamics applies to all systems, including ideal gases. It states that the change in internal energy of a closed system is equal to the heat added to the system minus the work done by the system. This means that for an ideal gas, the change in internal energy is solely dependent on the heat added to the system.

3. What is an ideal gas?

An ideal gas is a theoretical gas that follows the ideal gas law, which describes the relationship between pressure, volume, and temperature. It is characterized by having particles that have no volume and do not interact with each other, and therefore follow the laws of classical mechanics.

4. How does the First Law of Thermodynamics apply to real gases?

Real gases do not behave exactly like ideal gases, as they have volume and do interact with each other. However, the First Law of Thermodynamics still applies to real gases, as it is a fundamental principle that applies to all systems. The only difference is that the change in internal energy of a real gas is not solely dependent on the heat added, but also on its interactions with other particles.

5. What are some real-world applications of the First Law of Thermodynamics and ideal gases?

The First Law of Thermodynamics and ideal gases have many practical applications, including in the fields of thermodynamics, chemistry, and engineering. For example, they are used in the design and operation of engines, refrigeration systems, and power plants. They are also important in understanding the behavior of gases in various industrial processes and in the study of atmospheric phenomena.

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