EEC, Pallakapalayam /B.

E Mechanical Engineering/III Semester/ ME 6301- ETD/Unit-I 1

UNIT-I BASIC CONCEPTS AND FIRST LAW

Basic concepts - concept of continuum, macroscopic approach, Thermodynamic systems-

closed, open and isolated. Property, state, path and process, quasi-static process, work, modes
of work, Zeroth law of thermodynamics - concept of temperature and heat. Concept of ideal
and real gases. First law of thermodynamics - application to closed and open systems,
internal energy, specific heat capacities, enthalpy, steady flow process with reference to
various thermal equipments.

PART-A -2 Mark Questions and Answers

1) What is thermodynamics?
 Thermodynamics refers to heat power and it can be defined as the branch of engineering
science which deals about conversion heat energy into practically useful other forms of
power.

 The word thermodynamics was coined by William Thompson (Lord Kelvin) in

the year 1749.

2) What is a pure substance? (Apr’2002)

 A pure substance is a substance that has a homogeneous and unchanging chemical
composition throughout the system.
 A pure substance is a substance that cannot be separated by physical means like
filtration, evaporation, distillation or chromatography.

Ex: Diamond, Water, Pure sugar (sucrose), Table salt (sodium chloride) and Baking soda
(sodium bicarbonate)

3) Define “Ideal gas”. How it differs from real gas.

 An ideal gas is a gas that obeys all gas laws and the relationship Pv =RT
is called ideal gas.

 But the real gas does not obey all gas laws due intermolecular friction and irregularities.

4) What are dimensions?

 Dimensions are of two types.
1.Fundamental dimensions
2.Derived dimensions

5) Write the concept of continuum.

 Materials, such as solids, liquids and gases, are composed of molecules separated by
empty space. On a macroscopic scale, materials have cracks and discontinuities.
However, certain physical phenomena can be modeled assuming the materials exist as a
continuum (Continuous).

 Continuum means the matter in the body is continuously distributed and fills the entire
region of space it occupies.

 A continuum is a body that can be continually sub-divided into infinitesimal elements

with properties being those of the bulk material.
EEC, Pallakapalayam /B.E Mechanical Engineering/III Semester/ ME 6301- ETD/Unit-I 2

6) What is macroscopic and microscopic approach?

 Macroscopic approach:
It is a form of approach for study of behaviour of matter where a certain quantity of
matter is considered. In this the events occurring at the atomic or molecular level are not
taken into account.
Macroscopic approach is also known as Classical approach.

 Microscopic Viewpoint:
It is form of approach where the events occurring at the atomic or Molecular level is
considered for the study of behaviour of matter. Consider gas, each Molecule at a given
instant has certain position, velocity and other parameters which change, as a result of
intermolecular collisions.
Microscopic approach is also known as Statistical approach.

7) What is a thermodynamic system, boundary, surrounding and Universe? (Apr’2006)

 A certain quantity of any matter or a specified volume on which thermodynamic study
is to be made is called thermodynamic system.
Ex. An apple, A cup of coffee, a bicycle pump, motor cycle tube, an air filled balloon,
Cooker, steam turbine, gas turbine and nuclear reactor etc..

 An imaginary surface that separates thermodynamic system and surrounding is called

boundary.
 Everything outside the thermodynamic system is called surrounding.
 The combination of thermodynamic system, boundary and surrounding is called
universe.

8) What are the types of systems?

Closed System, Open System, Isolated System.

9) Distinguish between open system and closed system. (Apr’2009, Dec’ 2011)
S.No Closed system Open system
No mass transfer occurs across the
Both mass and energy transfer ocurs
boundary. Only energy transfer occurs
1 across the boundary of the
across the boundry of the
thermodynamic system.
thermodynamic system.

2 System boundary is not fixed one System boundary is fixed one.

Example Air compressor,

Piston and cylinder arrangement, Nozzle,
3
Thermal power plant Boiler
A rice cooker up to pressure relief A Cup of coffee on a table

10) Define isolated system. (Apr’2007)

 Isolated system is the system in which there is no mass transfer as well as energy transfer
across the boundary. In this system total energy remains constant.

Ex: Entire universe, perfectly insulated flask.

EEC, Pallakapalayam /B.E Mechanical Engineering/III Semester/ ME 6301- ETD/Unit-I 3

11) What is a thermodynamic property? (Apr’2007, Nov’2009, Nov’2008, Apr’2011)

 Any measurable characteristic of a substance which is used to identify the state of the
system when the system remains in equilibrium is called thermodynamic property.
Ex: Pressure, Temperature, Volume, Density and specific volume etc..

 Thermodynamic properties are of two types.

1. Intensive properties
2. Extensive properties

12) Define intensive and extensive properties? (Apr’2007, Nov’2008, Apr’2011)

 Intensive properties are independent of the mass of the system under consideration.
Ex: Temperature, Pressure, Density.

 Extensive properties are dependent of the mass of the system under consideration.
Ex: Mass, Volume, Total energy.

13) Define State, Path, Process, Cycle (Nov’2009, Nov’2008)

 State
The condition of a thermodynamic system at any instant for a particular set of
thermodynamic properties is called state of the system.
 Process
The change of state of a thermodynamic system is called thermodynamic process.
 Path
The curve obtained by if a system passes through a series of state point then it is said
to describe a path.
 Cycle
If a system starts from a particular thermodynamic coordinate point, under goes
different process and once again comes back to its initial state points it is said to
undergo a cycle or thermodynamic cycle.

14) What is meant by Point and Path function? (Oct’2010, Nov’2006)

 The quantity which is independent on the process or path followed by the system is
known as point function.
Ex: Pressure, volume, temperature, etc.,

 The quantity which is dependent on the process or path followed by the system is
known as path function.
Ex: Heat transfer, work transfer.

15) What is Quasi – Static process? How it differs from real thermodynamic process?
(Oct’98, Apr’2000 & 2001, Nov’95)
 The process is said to be quasi – static, it should proceed infinitesimally slow and
follows continuous series of equilibrium states. Therefore, the quasi static, it should
proceed infinitesimally slow and follows continuous series of equilibrium states.
Therefore, the quasi static process may be a reversible process.

16) What do you mean by (i) reversible process and (ii) Irreversible process?
Reversible Process: (Oct’2011, Nov’2005)
 A reversible process is one, which is performed in such a way that at the conclusion of
process, both system and surroundings may be restored to their initial state, without
producing any changes in rest of the universe.
Ex: Isentropic process
EEC, Pallakapalayam /B.E Mechanical Engineering/III Semester/ ME 6301- ETD/Unit-I 4

Irreversible Process:
 The mixing of two substances and combustion also leads to irreversibility.
All spontaneous process is irreversible.
Ex: Throttling process, adiabatic process

17) Define “State Principle”.

 For a simple compressible substance, the thermodynamic state is completely defined by
specifying two independent intensive properties.

18) What do you understand by equilibrium of a system? (Oct’04, Nov’10, April’08)

 When a system remains in equilibrium state, it should not undergo any charges to its
own accord.

19) What is meant by thermodynamic equilibrium? (Apr’98, Apr’96)

 When a system is in thermodynamic equilibrium, it should satisfy the following three
conditions.
(a) Mechanical Equilibrium -Pressure remains constant
(b) Thermal equilibrium -Temperature remains constant
(c) Chemical equilibrium -There is no chemical reaction.

20) Define Zeroth Law of thermodynamics (Apr’2007, Nov’2009, Nov’2008, Apr’2011)

 If two bodies A and B are in thermal equilibrium with third body C then the body A and
body C are in thermal equilibrium each other.
Ex: Thermometer

21) Define mechanical Work. (Nov’2009)

 Work is said to be done if the system, undergoes a displacement due to the application
of a force.
W = (Force x Displacement) = (F. X)
 The work is equal to the product of the force and the distance moved by the system in
the direction of the force.

22) What is meant by thermodynamic work transfer?

 It is the work done by the system when the energy transferred across the boundary of
the system. It is mainly due to intensive property difference between the system and
surroundings.

23) Define Temperature.

 The intensity of heat present in a system is called temperature . It is a measure of the
ability of a system to transfer heat energy to another system.

 Temperature is a measurement of the average kinetic energy of the molecules

in a system

24) Name the different Temperature scales used in practice.

Temperature scales are (i) Fahrenheit (ii) Celsius and (iii) Kelvin.
EEC, Pallakapalayam /B.E Mechanical Engineering/III Semester/ ME 6301- ETD/Unit-I 5

25) Define Heat transfer (or) Heat.

 Heat is defined as the energy transferred from one body to another by virtue of
temperature difference between the two bodies. The heat will flow from a higher
temperature region to a lower temperature region.

26) Write the general gas energy equations. (Apr’95 & 98)
dE = (dH + dW)

27) Define the term “Energy”. (Nov’2010)

 The capacity to do work is called Energy.

 They several forms of energy are (i) Potential Energy (ii) Kinetic energy
(iii) Chemical Energy (iv) Electrical Energy (v) Magnetic Energy
(vi) Heat Energy (vii) Work Energy etc..

28) State the law of conservation of energy (Nov’2005)

 Energy can neither be created nor destroyed, but it can be transferred from one
form to another.

For unit mass,

       e = u + ke + pe = u + v2/2 + gz = Constant

where
      e = total energy/kg
      u = internal energy/kg
      v = velocity of the system
      z = the elevation of the fluid

29) Write the first law equation for (i) Open system (ii) Closed system (Dec’2008)
For an open system

For a closed system

(Q1-2 - W1-2 ) = (U2 - U1)

30) What is internal energy of a substance? (Apr’2010)

 Internal energy of a gas is the energy stored in a gas due to its molecular interactions.
 It is also defined as the energy possessed by a gas at a given temperature.

31) State First Law of Thermodynamics (Oct’04, Nov’10, April’08)

 If any system is carried through a cycle then the summation of the work delivered to the
surroundings is proportional to the summation of the heat taken from the surroundings.

For an open system

For a closed system

(Q1-2 - W1-2 ) = (U2 - U1)
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32) What is specific heat of a body? What are its types?

Specific Heat of a body
 It is defined as the amount of heat energy required to raise or lower the temperature of
unit mass of the substance through one degree.

Specific heat capacity at constant pressure (Cp). (Oct’2003)

 It is defined as the amount of heat energy required to raise or lower the temperature of
unit mass of the substance through one degree when the pressure kept constant. It is
denoted by Cp.

or

Specific heat capacity at constant volume (Cv).

 It is defined as the amount of heat energy required to raise or lower the temperature of
unit mass of the substance through one degree when volume kept constant. It is denoted
by Cv.

or

33) Why the value CP is higher than Cv ? (Oct’2004)

 Because when gas is heated at constant pressure part of heat is utilized to do external
work and part to increase temp but when gas is heated at constant volume all the heat is
utilized to increase the temp and no external work i.e. expansion is done hence Cp is
greater than Cv

34) Define the term enthalpy? State its importance in thermodynamics? (Oct’2001)
 The Combination of internal energy and flow energy is known as enthalpy of the
system. It may also be defined as the total heat of the substance.

Enthalpy (H) = (U + pv) kJ

Where, U – Internal energy
p – Pressure
v – Volume
In terms of Cp & T
H = mCp (T2-T1) kJ

35) What is steady flow process? (April’2003)

 Steady flow process is a process in which the fluid properties can change from point to
point in the control volume but remains the same at any fixed point during the whole
process.

36) What are the characteristics of a steady flow process?

 No properties within the control volume change with time. That is
mcv = constant       Ecv = constant
 No properties change at the boundaries with time. Thus, the fluid properties at an inlet or
exit will remain the same during the whole process. They can be different at different
opens.
 The heat and work interactions between a steady-flow system and its surroundings do
not change with time.
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37) What is meant by Perpetual Motion Machine of I kind (PMM I) (Apr’2006)

 It is impossible to construct an engine which produces work without taking heat from
the surrounding.
 An engine which can produce work without taking heat from the surrounding is known
as PMM I. This is not possible.

38) Write the Steady Flow Energy Equation for a general steady flow process.

For a general steady-flow process, the energy balance equation is

      

39) Write the steady flow energy equations for

(i) Nozzle (ii) Turbine, pump, compressor (iii)Boiler, Condensers, Evaporators
and (iv) Heat Exchangers
 Nozzle
(hi+Vi2/2) = (he+Ve2/2)

 Turbine, Pump, Compressor

hi = he+ w

 Boilers, Condensers, Evaporators

hi + q = he 

 Heat Exchangers
m'1(h1i - h1e) =  m'2(h2i - h2e)

40) What are the limitations of first law?

 First Law gives only energy balance.
 It does not mention anything about the direction of energy transfer
 Thermal equipments can be identified only when the direction of energy transfer is
known
 Second Law gives both energy balance and direction of energy transfer.

41) What is a non-flow process?

 Non -flow process is a process in which the fluid properties change from point to point
and time to time in a control mass is called Non Flow process.

42) Name the different non flow thermodynamic processes? (Oct’2004)

i) Constant volume process
ii) Constant pressure process
iii) Constant temperature process
iv) Adiabatic process
v) Isentropic process
vi) Throttling process
vii) Free expansion process
EEC, Pallakapalayam /B.E Mechanical Engineering/III Semester/ ME 6301- ETD/Unit-I 8

43) What is the difference between Isothermal process and hyperpolic process?

 In Isothermal process the temperature remains constant but in hyperbolic process the
temperature will not remain same for complete process.

 In T-S diagram : Isothermal process is shown by straight horizontal line , but hyperbolic
process is shown by hyperbolic curve line.

 A pure substance, which is following Isothermal process is shown by law T=C & not
PV=C but A pure substance, which is following hyperbolic process is shown by
PV=C and not T=C

PART-B QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

PROBLEMS
(Closed systems)

1. The following Data refer to a closed system, which undergoes a Thermodynamic cycle
consisting of four processor.

Process Heat transfer KJ/min Work transfer KJ / min

a–b 50,000 -
b–c - 5000 34,200
c–d - 16,000 - 2,200
d–a - - 3000
Show that the data is consistent with the first law of Thermodynamics and calculate
(i) Net rate of work output in MW (ii) Efficiency of the cycle (Apr’2004)

Given Data:

To find:
1. And
2.

Solution:

Cycle heat transfer of cycle

= 29000 KJ / min

Similarly cyclic work transfer of cycle

= 29000 KJ / min
 EEC, Pallakapalayam /B.E Mechanical Engineering/III Semester/ ME 6301- ETD/Unit-I 9

 From first laws of Thermodynamics

Net work output in MW = 29000 kJ / min

Heat supplied ( Taking the positive heat only)

 Efficiency of the cycle,

2) 5 Kg of air at 400 C and 1 bar is heated in a reversible non flow constant pressure until the
volume is doubled. Find change in volume work done change in internal energy change in
enthalpy. (Dec’2006)
Give Data:
m = 5 kg
T1 = 400 C
P1 = 1 bar
V2 = 2 V1 P = constant

From ideal gas equation

= 4.49 m3

 The final volume V2 = 2 V1

i. Change in volume

= 4.49 m3

ii. Work transfer

 EEC, Pallakapalayam /B.E Mechanical Engineering/III Semester/ ME 6301- ETD/Unit-I 10

= 449 KJ

iii. Change in internal Energy :

For constant pressure process

= 1117.41 KJ

iv. Change in enthalpy:

Result:
Change in volume

Work done W = 449 KJ

Change in internal Energy

Change in Enthalpy

3) 0.25 Kg of air at a pressure of 1 bar occupies a volume of 0.3 m 3. If this air expands
isothermally to a volume of 0.9 m3. Find
i) The initial temperature
ii) Final temperature
iii) External work done
EEC, Pallakapalayam /B.E Mechanical Engineering/III Semester/ ME 6301- ETD/Unit-I 11

iv) Change in internal energy

Assume R = 0.27 KJ / Kg K. (Apr’2004)
Given Data:
m = 0.25

V1 = 0.3 m3
V2 = 0.9 m3, isothermal process (T = constant)

From Ideal gas equation

for isothermal process

Work done

= 32958 J

Heat absorbed Q = W

= 32.96 KJ
Change in internal energy

Result:
Work done W = 32. 96 KJ
Heat absorbed Q = 32.96 KJ
Change in internal energy ,
(Open systems)

4. A turbine operates under steady flow conditions receiving steam at the following state;
pressure = 1.2 mPa temperature = 188 0C. Enthalpy = 2785 kJ/kg. Velocity = 33.3m/s and
elevation = 3 m. The steam leaves the turbine at the following state : pressure = 20kPa,
Enthalpy = 2512kJ/kg velocity = 100 m/s and elevation = 0 . Heat is test to the surrounding
at the rate of 0.29kJ/g. Find the power output of the turbine in kW. (Apr’2007)

Given data :

P1 = 1.2 MPa
EEC, Pallakapalayam /B.E Mechanical Engineering/III Semester/ ME 6301- ETD/Unit-I 12

T1 = 188 0C
h1 = 2785 kJ/kg
C1= 33.3
Z1 = 3 m
P2 = 20 kPa
h2 = 2512 kJ/kg.
C2 = 100 m/s

Z2 = 0 m

Q = - 0.28 kJ/S
m = 0.42 kg/s

Solution :

Steady flow energy equation (SFEE)

W = 112.52 KW.

Result:

The power output of the turbine W = 112.52 KW.

5) Air flows steadily at the rate of 0.5Kg/s through an air compressor, entering at 7m/s
velocity, 100kPa pressure and 0.95 m3/kg volume and leaving at 5 m/s, 700 kPa and 0.19 m 3
/ kg. Te internal energy of the air leaving is 90 kJ/kg greater than that of the air entering.
Cooling water in the compressor jackets absorbs heat from the air at the rate of 58 kN.
Compute the rate of shaft work input to the air in KW
Find the ratio of the inlet pipe diameter to outlet pipe diameter. (Dec’2006)

Given data:

m = 0.5kg/s
C1 = 7m/s
P1 = 100 kPa
V1 = 0.95 m3/kg
C2 = 5m/s.
P2 = 700kPa
V2 = 0.19m3/kg

Q = 58 kN
EEC, Pallakapalayam /B.E Mechanical Engineering/III Semester/ ME 6301- ETD/Unit-I 13

Steady flow energy equation

W = - 5.995 kW

( -) sign indicates that the work is done on the system.

From continuity equation

Result:
1. Rate of shaft Work input to the air W = - 5.994 kW
2. The ratio of the inlet and outlet pipe diameter

6) Define the terms Thermodynamic equilibrium, properties, cycle and work done
(December ‘05)

Thermodynamic equilibrium:
If the temperature is same throughout a system then the system is said to be in
thermodynamic equilibrium.

Properties
It is defined as any measurable or observable characteristics of the substance when the
system remains in equilibrium state example pressure, Temperature, Volume entropy.
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Properties classified in to two types (a) Intensive properties (b) Extensive properties
a) Intensive properties:
These properties are independent on the mass of the system. If we consider a part of
the system, these properties remain same.
Ex: Pressure, temperature.

b) Extensive properties:
These properties are depending upon the mass of the system. If we consider a part of
the system, these properties have lesser valve.
Ex: Mass, Volume, Total energy.
Cycle:
If a Thermodynamic system undergoes a series of processes and returns to
its initial position, then the process is called cycle.
Ex: Rankine cycle, carnot cycle.

Work done
Work is a form of energy that associated with the force acting thro some distance.

7) Air in a closed stationary system expands in a reversible adiabatic process from 0.5 MPa,
15 0C to 0.2 MPa. Find the final temperature, and per Kg of air. The change in enthalpy, the
heat transferred and work done, change in internal energy (December 05)

Given Data:
m = 1 Kg
P1 = 0.5 MPa = 5 bar
T1 = 15 0C + 273 = 288 K
P2 = 0.2 MPa = 2 bar.

By adiabatic relation

Work done:

= 48 KJ

Change in Internal energy

EEC, Pallakapalayam /B.E Mechanical Engineering/III Semester/ ME 6301- ETD/Unit-I 15

 1 0.718221  288

= - 48.106 KJ

Heat transfer:
From first law

Q = 0 kJ

Result:

Work done W = 48 kJ
Change in Internal energy ∆U = 48 kJ.
Heat transfer Q = 0 kJ

8) 10 kg of fluid per minute goes through a reversible steady flow process. The properties of
the fluid at the inlet are P1 = 1.5bar, ρ1=26kg/m3, V1= 110m/s and u1= 910kJ/kg and at the exit
are P2= 5.5bar, ρ2=5.5kg/m3, V2= 190m/s and u2= 710kJ/kg. During the passage, the fluid
rejects 55kJ /s and rise through 55m. Determine (i) the change in enthalpy (ii) work done
during the process. (April ‘08)

Refer Text Book Chapter No 1 Page No:1.127

9) A system contains 0.2m3 of a gas at a pressure of 4bar and 15 0C . It is expanded

adiabatically till the pressure falls to 1bar. The gas is then heated at a constant pressure till its
enthalpy increases by 100kJ. Determine the total workdone. Take Cp=1kJ/kgK. (April ‘10)

Refer Text Book Chapter No 1 Page No:1.69

10) A gas containted in a cylinder is compressed from 1MPa and 0.05m3 to 2MPa
compression is governed by pv1.4 =constant. Internal energy of gas is given by U=7.5PV kJ.
Where P is pressure in kPa and volume in m3. Determine heat, work and change in internal
energy assuming process to be quasi static. Also find out work interaction, if the 180kJ of
heat is transferred to system between same states. Also explain why it is different from
above? (April ‘09)
Refer Text Book Chapter No 1 Page No:1.70

11) In a gas turbine installation air is heated inside heat exchanger up to 750 oC from ambient
temperature of 27 oC . Hot air then enters into gas turbine with the velocity of 50m/s and
leaves at 600 oC . Air leaving nozzle at temperature of 500 oC . For unit mass flow rate of air
determine the following assuming adiabatic expansion in turbine and nozzle.(i) Heat transfer
to air in heat exchanger (ii) power output from turbine (iii) velocity at exit of the nozzle. Take
Cp for air as 1.005kJ/kgK. (December ‘08)
Refer Text Book Chapter No 1 Page No:1.114

12) A reciprocating compressor takes in 2m3/min air at 0.11Mpa, 293K which it delivers at
1.5Mpa , 384 K to an after cooler where the air is cooled at constant pressure to 298K. The
EEC, Pallakapalayam /B.E Mechanical Engineering/III Semester/ ME 6301- ETD/Unit-I 16

power absorbed by the compressor is 4.15kW . Determine the heattransfer in (i) the
compressor (ii) the cooler. State your assumptions. (December ‘11)
Refer Text Book Chapter No 1 Page No:1.116

13) Derive the steady flow energy equation for a steady flow process with neat sketches.
(April ‘2006)
Refer Text Book Chapter No 1 Page No:1.83

14)(i) What are the causes of irreversibility of a thermodynamic process?

(ii) State First law of thermodynamics and its application to a flow process?
(December ‘04)
Refer Text Book Chapter No 1 Page No:1.22

15) (i) Explain the different types of thermodynamic systems with

neat sketches and examples.
(ii) Name the different Non-flow processes and draw their pv and T-s diagrams
neatly.
(April ‘2005)
Refer Text Book Chapter No 1 Page No:1.37 & 1.10