Chapter m - CONSERVATION OF MASS AND ENERGY

Problem 3.35

A gas expands in a piston from an initial pressure of 1000 kPa and an initial volume
of 0.15 m3 to a final pressure of 200 kPa while following the process descnbed by
p = a V + b where a = 1000 kPa/m3 and b is a constant. Calculate the work
performed.

Given: · Gas in a piston/cylinder expands from an initial state to a final state.

Find: The work done by the gas in the expansion process.

Sketch & Given Data:

to oo la.Pc' CL c 100 0 t..P.a/,.,,. 3

Assumptions: 1) The gas is a closed system.

2) The expansion is a quasi-equilibrium one.

Analysis: The work is found by integrating

W= J:rctv = J:(lOOOV+b)dV = ,l~V:bV[

We need to find b. Substitute into the equation for pressure at the initial
state.

3
p1 = aV1 +b = 1000 kPa = (1000::) (0.15m ) + b kPa

b = 850 kPa

The final volume may be determined:

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