LEARNING UNIT 14:

THERMODYNAMICS
14.1 Ideal Gas Equations
14.2 Thermodynamics
14.3 First Law of Thermodynamics
14.4 Thermodynamic Processes
14.5 Thermodynamic Works

DR. IDZA RIATI IBRAHIM

2021/2022
 SUBTOPICS
• 14.1 Ideal Gas Equations
• 14.2 Thermodynamics
• 14.3 First Law of Thermodynamics
• 14.4 Thermodynamic Processes
• 14.5 Thermodynamic Works
 14.1 Ideal Gas Equations
Learning Outcomes:
• Define Boyle’s Law, Charles’ Law and Gay-Lussac’s Law
• Use the ideal gas equation, pV = nRT
 14.1.1 Boyle’s Law
• The pressure, P of an ideal gas is inversely
proportional to its volume, V if its mass
and temperature are constant.

1
P
V V1=4 m3
P1=1 kPa
V1=3 m3
P1=1.33 kPa

PV = constant 1 1 = PV
PV
OR
2 2

where P1 : initial pressure

P2 : final pressure
V1 : initial volume
V2 : final volume
 14.1.1 Charles’ Law
• The volume, V of an ideal gas is directly
proportional to its absolute temperature, T if its
mass and pressure are constant.

V T
V V1 V2
= constant OR =
T T1 T2
where T1 : initial absolute temperatu re
T2 : final absolute temperature
V1 : initial volume
V2 : final volume
 14.1.1 Gay-Lussac’s Law

• The pressure, P of an ideal gas is directly

proportional to its absolute temperature, T if
its mass and volume are constant.

P T
P P1 P2
= constant OR =
T T1 T2
where T1 : initial absolute temperatu re
T2 : final absolute temperatu re
P1 : initial pressure
P2 : final pressure
 14.1.2 Ideal Gas Equation
• An ideal gas is defined as a perfect gas which obeys the three gas laws
(Boyle’s, Charles’s and Gay-Lussac’s) exactly.
• By combining the three gas laws, an equation known as the ideal gas
equation or the equation of state of the gas is obtained.

P1V1 P2V2 PV
= OR = constant
T1 T2 T

Initial Final
 14.1.2 Ideal Gas Equation

• 1 mole of any gas at standard temperature & pressure ( S.T.P. ), 𝑇 = 273.15 K,

𝑃=101.3 kPa occupies 𝑉𝑚 = 22.4 litres = 0.0224 m3.
• Using
𝑃𝑉𝑚 101.3×103 ×0.0224
= = 𝟖. 𝟑𝟏 𝐉 𝐦𝐨𝐥−𝟏 𝐊 −𝟏 , 𝑉𝑚 is volume of 1 mole gas.
𝑇 273.15

• 𝟖. 𝟑𝟏 𝐉 𝐦𝐨𝐥−𝟏 𝐊−𝟏 is known as molar gas constant , R and the value is found
experimentally same for all gases.
 14.1.2 Ideal Gas Equation
• Thus, for 1 mole of gas:
𝑃𝑉𝑚
= 𝑅 → 𝑃𝑉𝑚 = 𝑅𝑇
𝑇
• For 𝑛 mole of an ideal gas, the equation of state can also be expressed as:

PV = nRT

where 𝑛: number of moles

𝑅: molar gas constant = 8.31 J mol−1 K −1
 Example 1

A gas cylinder has a volume of 0.035 𝑚3 and contains air at a pressure of 1.8 𝑀𝑃𝑎.
If the temperature remains constant, calculate the volume of air at atmospheric
pressure. [Given:1 atm = 1.0 × 105 𝑃𝑎]
[Ans: 0.63]
 Example 2

A sealed glass container is filled with 2500 𝑐𝑚3 of helium at a temperature of 24°𝐶
and pressure of 1.8 𝑎𝑡𝑚. Calculate the mass of the gas. [Given: 1 𝑎𝑡𝑚 = 1.0 × 105 𝑃𝑎,
molar mass of He = 4 g mol-1] [Ans:0.36]
 Example 3
The volume of vessel A is three times of the volume vessel B. The vessels are
filled with an ideal gas and are at a steady state. The temperature of vessel A
and vessel B are at 300 K and 500 K respectively as shown in the figure below.

A B
(300 K) (500 K)
Figure 14.1

If the mass of the gas in the vessel A is m, obtain the mass of the gas in the vessel
B in terms of m.
𝑚
[Ans: ]
5
Example 3
 Exercise 1
Refer to figure below. Initially A contains 3.00 m3 of an ideal gas at a
temperature of 250 K and a pressure of 5.00  104 Pa, while B contains 7.20 m3
of the same gas at 400 K and 2.00  104 Pa. Calculate the pressure after the
connecting tap has been opened and the system reached equilibrium,
assuming that A is kept at 250 K and B is kept at 400 K.
[Ans:3.20 × 104 ]

connecting tap

B  A

Figure 14.2
Exercise 1
 14.2 Thermodynamics

Learning Outcome:
• Define Thermodynamics
 14.2 Thermodynamics
• The study of how energy can be transferred between a system and its
surroundings.
• Can be done either as heat due to a difference in temperature or by
mechanical work using a force that is moved through a distance.
• Change in the internal energy of the system (affect the pressure, volume
and temperature).

https://opentextbc.ca/universityphysicsv2openstax/chapter/thermodynamic-systems/
 14.3 First Law of Thermodynamics

Learning Outcomes:
• State and use first law of thermodynamics, Q = ∆U + W .
• Distinguish between thermodynamic work done on the system and work
done by the system.
 14.3 First Law of Thermodynamics
• states : “The heat (Q) supplied to a system is equal to the increase in the
internal energy (∆U) of the system plus the work done (W) by the system on
its surroundings.”

Q = U + W and U = U 2 − U1

where 𝑄: quantity of heat supplied

𝑊: work done
Δ𝑈: change in the internal energy
𝑈1 : initial internal energy
𝑈2 : final internal energy
 14.3 First Law of Thermodynamics
• Sign Convention for Heat, Q and Work, W
SURROUNDING

+ Q: flow into the system - Q: flow out of the system

-W: Work done on the system + W: Work done by the system

(compression) (expansion)
SURROUNDING
 14.3 First Law of Thermodynamics
• Work done by the system and work done on the system
motion of piston
• When the air is expanded,
motion of piston molecule loses kinetic energy
+W and does positive work on
piston.
-W • When the air is compressed,
molecule gains kinetic energy
Air and does negative work on
Air
Air piston.
Initially Expansion Compression
 14.3 First Law of Thermodynamics
• Work done in the thermodynamics system
• Consider the work done by the gas (system) during
the small expansion, 𝑑𝑦 in a cylinder with a movable
piston
• Suppose that the cylinder has a cross sectional
area, 𝐴 and the pressure exerted by the gas
(system) at the piston face is 𝑃. A
A 𝑑𝑦
• The work, 𝑑𝑊 done by the gas is given by 
Gas F
dW = Fdy cos  where  = 0 and F = PA
Initial Final
dW = PAdy and Ady = dV
dW = PdV
 14.3 First Law of Thermodynamics
• In a finite change of volume from V1 to V2,
V2
 dW =  PdV
V1
where 𝑊: work done
𝑃: gas pressure
V2 𝑉1 : initial volume of the gas
W =  PdV 𝑉2 : final volume of the gas
V1
 14.3 First Law of Thermodynamics
• For a change in volume at constant pressure, P
W = PV
W = P(V2 − V1 ) Work done at constant pressure

• For any process in the system which the volume is constant (no change in
volume), the work done is a change in volume at constant pressure, P

W =0 Work done at constant volume

 14.3 First Law of Thermodynamics
• Figures show the pressure, P against volume, V graph (P-V diagram)
P P
P1 1 P2 2

P2 2 P1 1 Area under the

W 0 W 0 P−V graph =
0 V1 V2 V 0 V2 V1 V Work done

P P
P2 2
1 2
P1
W =0
W = P1 (V2 − V1 )  0
P1 1
0 V1 V2 V 0 V1 V
 Example 4
An ideal gas trapped in a cylinder with a frictionless movable piston is heated
by supplying 100 J of heat to it. It expands from a volume of 300 cm3 to 500
cm3 at a constant pressure of 1 x 105 Pa. Determine the net change in the
internal energy of the gas.
[Ans: 80]
 Exercise 2
A vessel contains an ideal gas at pressure 150 kPa. When the gas is heated it
expands at constant pressure until the temperature increases up to 100 K. The
amount of heat absorbed by the gas is 4.36 kJ. However, if the gas at its initial
condition is heated at constant volume until the temperature increases up to
100 K, the amount of heat absorbed is 3.11 kJ. Determine
a) the work done by the gas when it expands at constant pressure
[Ans:1.25 × 103 ]
b) the change in volume of the gas when the gas is heated at constant
pressure
[Ans: 8.33 × 10−3 ]
Exercise 2
 Exercise 3
When the gas expands from state A directly to state C, the total quantity of
heat absorbed by the gas is 10.0 kJ. Determine :
a) the change in the internal energy of the gas
b) the total quantity of heat transferred to the gas if the following path are
taken : i. ABC ii. ADC
[Ans: -0.13, 15.928, 3.925]
Exercise 3
 14.4 Thermodynamic Processes

Learning Outcomes:
• State and explain thermodynamics processes:
• Isothermal, Δ𝑈 = 𝑂
• Isovolumetric, 𝑊 = 𝑂
• Isobaric, Δ𝑃 = 𝑂
• Adiabatic, 𝑄 = 𝑂
• Derive the equation for isothermal, isovolumetric and isobaric processes
• Distinguish between isothermal process and adiabatic process
 14.4.1 Isothermal
• is defined as a process that occurs at constant temperature.
• Since, temperature is constant, the internal energy is also constant. Hence,
the change in internal energy is zero, ∆𝑼 = 𝟎
• Thus, 𝑄 = ∆𝑈 + 𝑊 𝑄=𝑊
• This means that work done on the gas ( 𝑾 < 𝟎 ) during isothermal
compression is transformed into heat loss ( 𝐐 < 𝟎 ) to the surroundings.
• Heat is absorbed ( 𝐐 > 𝟎 ) from the surroundings in order for the gas to do
work ( 𝑾 > 𝟎 )
 14.4.1 Isothermal
Isothermal changes
• When a gas expands or compresses isothermally (constant temperature),
the pressure and volume of the gas have to vary according to Boyle’s law
thus, 𝑷𝑽 = 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒕
• It can be expressed as 𝑷𝟏𝑽𝟏 = 𝑷𝟐𝑽𝟐
• If the gas compress isothermally, thus
𝑉2 < 𝑉1 W = negative
• If the gas expand isothermally, thus
𝑉2 > 𝑉1 W = positive
 14.4.1 Isothermal
• Compression: work done on the gas is
transformed into heat (loss to
surroundings)
• Expansion: all the heat absorbed by the
gas from the surroundings (converted into
work)
• Δ𝑈 depends on temperature (𝑇 const,
Δ𝑈 = 0)

Isotherms for isothermal process

 14.4.2 Isochoric (Isovolumetric)
• is defined as a process that occurs at constant volume. Since the volume
does not change, ∆𝑽 = 𝑶, thus the work done,𝑊 = 𝑃∆𝑉 = 0.
• Thus, 𝑄 = ∆𝑈 + 𝑊 Q = U = U 2 − U1
• In this process, all the energy added as heat remains in the system as an
increase in the internal energy thus the temperature of the system
increases.
 14.4.2 Isochoric
(Isovolumetric) ∆𝑼 = 𝑸

• Heating the gas at constant volume will

make the pressure increase as represented by
a movement from point A to B
• Cooling down the gas at constant volume will
decrease the pressure and is represented by
movement from point B to A Cooling Heating

• In order for the volume to remain constant,

the pressure and the temperature of the gas
must obey Gay-Lussac’s law, thus
𝑷 P-V graph for an isochoric process
= 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒕
𝑻
 14.4.3 Isobaric
• is defined as a process that occurs at constant pressure. Since the pressure
is constant, ∆𝑷 = 𝑶 and 𝑊 = 𝑃∆𝑉
• Thus, 𝑄 = ∆𝑈 + 𝑊 Q = U + PV
• In order for pressure to remain constant, the volume and temperature of the
gas must obey Charles’ law.
• For example, boiling water at constant pressure is an isobaric process.
 14.4.3 Isobaric
• During compression, there is heat loss to
the surroundings (internal energy, Δ𝑈 and
𝑇 of the gas decreases)
• During expansion, heat enters the gas as
it is heated (internal energy, Δ𝑈 and 𝑇 of
the gas increases)

P-V graph for an isobaric process

 14.4.4 Adiabatic
• is defined as a process that occurs without heat transfer into or out of a
system that is, 𝑸 = 𝟎
• Thus, 𝑄 = ∆𝑈 + 𝑊 U = U 2 − U1 = −W
• For example, the compression stroke in an internal combustion engine is an
approximately adiabatic process.
– expansion (V2>V1), W = positive value but
U =negative value hence the internal energy of the system decreases.
– compression (V2<V1), W = negative value but
U =positive value hence the internal energy of the system increases.
 14.4.4 Adiabatic

Compression: Expansion:
Work done on the gas The gas uses its internal
goes into increasing ΔU energy to do work against
of the gas external pressure
 14.4.4 Adiabatic

• In adiabatic process, a gas will

undergo changes in P, V and T
without any heat exchange with
the surroundings (means 𝑸 = 𝟎).
• This process can occur if the gas is
kept in a well insulated
container/process is performed
very quickly, so that there is no
time for the heat to flow in or out The P-V curve corresponding to an adiabatic process is
called an adiabat (similar to isotherm but the gradient
of the system. is greater than isotherm)
 14.5 Thermodynamics Works

Learning outcomes:
• Derive expression for work
• Determine work from area under P-V graph
• Calculate work done in thermodynamics processes
14.5.1 Work done in an Isothermal process
• Work done = area under the graph
V2 1
W =  PdV 𝑉2
𝑊1→2 = 𝑛𝑅𝑇 ln
V1 𝑉1

sin ce PV = nRT ,
the work done in an isothermal process :
V2 2
nRT
W= dV
V1
V
V2
1
W = nRT  dV Isotherms for isothermal process
V1
V
W = nRT [ln V ]VV12
V2
W = nRT ln
V1
14.5.2 Work done in an Isochoric process
• Work done = area under the graph
W = PV
V = const  V = 0
W = 0

P-V graph for an isochoric process

14.5.3 Work done in an Isobaric process
• Work done = area under the graph
W = PV
W = P(V2 − V1 )

P-V graph for an isobaric process

14.5.4 Work done in an Adiabatic process
• Work done = area under the graph 
k = P1V1 = P2V2


V2

1  P2V2 
 
W =  PdV P2V2
W =   −1 −  −1 
V1
1 −   V2 V1 

 k
sin ce PV = k , then P =  1
V W = P2V2 − P1V1 
V2 1− 
k
W =   dV
V1
V
V2
k  1 
W= V  −1 
1−   V1
1  k k 
W=   −1 −  −1 
1−  V2 V1 
 Example 5
Air is contained in a cylinder by a frictionless gas-tight piston.
a. Calculate the work done by the air as it expands from a volume of 0.015
m3 to a volume of 0.027 m3 at a constant pressure of 2.0  105 Pa.
[Ans: 2400]
b. Determine the final pressure of the air if it starts from the same
initial conditions as in (a) and expanding by the same amount, the change
occurs
i. isothermally, [Ans: 1.11 × 105 ]
ii. adiabatically. [Ans: 8.78 × 104 ]
(Given  for air is 1.40)
Example 5
 Exercise 4
A cylinder with a movable frictionless piston contains an ideal gas that is initially
in state 1 at 1 × 105 Pa, 373 K, and 0.25 m3 . The gas is taken through a reversible
thermodynamic cycle as shown in the P-V diagram.
a. Calculate the temperature of the gas when it is in the following states:
i. State 2 [Ans: 746]
ii. State 3 [Ans: 560]
b. Calculate the net work done on the gas during the cycle. [Ans: 6250]
Exercise 4
 Exercise 6
One mole of an ideal gas is initially at pressure P1, volume V1, and temperature T1,
represented by point A. The gas is taken around cycle ABCA shown. Process AB
undergoes isobaric compression to half of volume V1, process BC is isochoric
with increased pressure from P1 to P2 , and process CA is isothermal expansion.
a) Draw the P-V diagram for the ABCA cycle process.
b) Determine the temperature T2 at the end of process AB in terms of
temperature T1. [Ans: T1/2]
c) Determine the pressure P2 at the end of process BC in terms of pressure P1.
[Ans: 2P1]
d) Determine the net work done on the gas when it is taken from A to B to C.
Express your answer in terms of P1 and V1 [Ans: P1 V1/2]
Exercise 6
 Exercise 6
A gas system at 20.0 °C in a cylinder is compressed adiabatically from an initial
pressure of 1 atm and volume 800 cm3 to a find volume of 600 cm3. Determine
the final pressure and temperature of the gas is it behaves like an ideal gas
with γ = 1.40.
Exercise 6
 Summary

Process Condition First Law Work Done Equation

 V2 
Isothermal T = constant Q =W W = nRT ln   pV = constant
 V1 

P
Isovolumetric V = constant Q = U W =0 = constant
T

V
Isobaric P = constant Q = U + W W = P (V2 − V1 ) = constant
T

PV − PV PV  = constant
Adiabatic Q=0 U = −W W= 1 1 2 2
 −1 TV (1− ) = constant