Liquifying Nitrogen: How Much Heat Energy?

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In summary, the problem is to determine the minimum amount of heat energy needed to liquify 9.0g of nitrogen in a rigid cylinder at 20 ∘C. The heat energy can be calculated using the equations H = Cp * m * ΔT or H = Hc * m. After correcting for using the wrong heat capacity value, the correct answer is 3.8 kJ.
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says
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Homework Statement



A rigid cylinder contains 9.0g of nitrogen at 20 ∘C.

What is the minimum amount of heat energy that must be removed to liquify the nitrogen?

Homework Equations



Heat Energy
H = Cp * m * ΔT

H = Heat Energy
Cp = Heat Capacity
m = mass (in Kg)
ΔT = change in temperature (in Celsius)

Heat of Condensation (Equal to Vaporisation)

H = Hc * m

Hc= Heat of condensation
m= mass (in moles)

The Attempt at a Solution



Heat Capacity of nitrogen = 1.04 kJ/kg*K.
Nitrogen is a liquid at -196 C, so ΔT = -196 - 20 = -216

H = Heat Capacity * mass * ΔT

H = 1.04 kJ/kg*K * 0.009 kg * 215 = 2.02 kJ

---

H= Heat of condensation * mass (in moles)

H= 5.56 kJ*mol * 0.32 moles = 1.78 kJ

2.02 kJ + 1.78 kJ = 3.8 kJ

3.80 kJ of heat energy is required to liquify the nitrogen.

Answer isn't correct. If anyone can point me in the right direction it would be much appreciated.
 
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  • #2
Hello says, and welcome to PF.

You seem pretty sure the answer is not correct (how do you know?), so I will accept that.

Why do you use cp if the exercise says the cylinder is rigid ?
 
  • #3
Hi BvU! Thanks for the welcome. :)

I ended up getting this problem right. I was using the Cp value of Nitrogen and not the Cv value.

Problem solved!
 

Related to Liquifying Nitrogen: How Much Heat Energy?

1. How is nitrogen liquified?

Nitrogen is liquified through a process called fractional distillation. This involves cooling the nitrogen gas until it reaches its boiling point of -195.79°C. At this temperature, the gas turns into a liquid state.

2. How much heat energy is needed to liquify nitrogen?

The amount of heat energy required to liquify nitrogen depends on several factors, including the initial temperature and pressure of the gas. On average, it takes about 5,000 joules of heat energy per mole of nitrogen to liquify it.

3. What happens to the heat energy during the liquification process?

During the liquification process, the heat energy is used to overcome the intermolecular forces between the nitrogen molecules, causing them to condense into a liquid state. Once the gas has completely turned into a liquid, the remaining heat energy is used to maintain the temperature of the liquid nitrogen.

4. Can nitrogen be liquified at room temperature?

No, nitrogen cannot be liquified at room temperature. It has a boiling point of -195.79°C, which is well below room temperature. Therefore, it needs to be cooled significantly in order to turn into a liquid state.

5. What are the uses of liquid nitrogen?

Liquid nitrogen has a wide range of uses, including in the food industry for freezing and preserving food, in cryotherapy for medical treatments, in the production of electronics, and in scientific research for creating ultra-low temperatures. It is also used as a coolant for machines and equipment that generate a lot of heat.

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