Derivations in adiabatic process for ideal gas with C_V and C_P

In summary, the adiabatic process for an ideal gas involves changes in temperature, pressure, and volume without heat exchange with the surroundings. The relevant equations derive from the first law of thermodynamics and the definitions of specific heat capacities at constant volume (C_V) and constant pressure (C_P). The relationship between C_V and C_P is given by \( C_P = C_V + R \), where R is the gas constant. For an adiabatic process, the equation \( PV^\gamma = \text{constant} \) applies, with \( \gamma = \frac{C_P}{C_V} \). Additionally, the adiabatic condition can be expressed through temperature and volume as \( TV^{\gamma - 1
  • #1
zenterix
708
84
Homework Statement
I am quite confused by the calculations involving an adiabatic process for an ideal gas.
Relevant Equations
Below I show the calculations.
Consider an ideal gas undergoing an adiabatic process.

The first law says that

$$dU=\delta Q+\delta w=\delta w=-PdV$$

since ##\delta Q=0## for an adiabatic process.

##U## is a function of any two of ##P,V##, and ##T##.

Consider ##U_1=U_1(T,V)## and ##U_2=U_2(T,P)##.

For an ideal gas we have

$$dU_1=\left (\frac{\partial U_1}{\partial T}\right )_VdT=C_VdT=-PdV=\frac{nRT}{V}dV\tag{1}$$

$$dU_2=\left (\frac{\partial U_2}{\partial T}\right )_PdT=C_PdT=-PdV=-\frac{nRT}{V}dV\tag{2}$$

Are these equations both correct?
For (1) we have

$$C_VdT=-\frac{nRT}{V}dV$$

and after integrating we reach

$$P_1V_1^{\gamma}=P_2V_2^{\gamma}=k$$

where ##k## is a constant and ##\gamma=1+\frac{R}{C_V}##.

Note the implicit assumption that ##C_V## is constant.

Can we do the same thing for (2) to reach
$$P_1V_1^{\gamma}=P_2V_2^{\gamma}=k$$

where ##k## is a constant and ##\gamma=1+\frac{R}{C_P}##?

Something is fishy here since ##C_V\neq C_P##.
 
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  • #2
I think the mistake is that I assumed that

$$C_P=\left (\frac{\partial U}{\partial T}\right )_P\tag{Incorrect}$$

but actually

$$C_P=\left (\frac{\partial H}{\partial T}\right )_P$$

The calculations for (2) in the OP would be

$$\left (\frac{\partial U_2}{\partial T}\right )_PdT=-\frac{nRT}{V}dV$$

$$\frac{1}{T}\left (\frac{\partial U_2}{\partial T}\right )_PdT=-\frac{nR}{V}dV$$
 

FAQ: Derivations in adiabatic process for ideal gas with C_V and C_P

What is an adiabatic process?

An adiabatic process is a thermodynamic process in which no heat is exchanged between the system and its surroundings. This means that any change in internal energy of the system is due solely to work done on or by the system. In the case of an ideal gas, this is often represented by the equation PV^γ = constant, where γ (gamma) is the ratio of specific heats (C_P/C_V).

What are C_V and C_P?

C_V is the specific heat capacity at constant volume, which measures the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of a unit mass of a substance by one degree Celsius while keeping the volume constant. C_P, on the other hand, is the specific heat capacity at constant pressure, which measures the heat required to raise the temperature of a unit mass of a substance by one degree Celsius while keeping the pressure constant.

How is the relationship between C_V and C_P derived?

The relationship between C_V and C_P for an ideal gas can be derived from the first law of thermodynamics and the definitions of specific heats. The relationship is given by the equation C_P = C_V + R, where R is the universal gas constant. This derivation assumes that the gas behaves ideally and that the specific heats are constant over the temperature range considered.

What is the significance of the adiabatic condition in derivations?

The adiabatic condition is significant in derivations because it simplifies the analysis of thermodynamic processes. In an adiabatic process, the work done on or by the gas directly relates to changes in internal energy, allowing for the use of the adiabatic relations (e.g., PV^γ = constant) to derive equations for temperature, pressure, and volume changes without needing to account for heat transfer.

Can you explain the derivation of the adiabatic equation for an ideal gas?

The derivation of the adiabatic equation for an ideal gas starts from the first law of thermodynamics, which states that dU = δQ - δW. For an adiabatic process, δQ = 0, so dU = -δW. Using the definitions of C_V and the ideal gas law (PV = nRT), and integrating, we arrive at the adiabatic relations: PV^γ = constant and T V^(γ-1) = constant, where T is the temperature and γ is the heat capacity ratio (C_P/C_V).

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