Free Expansion of Gas: Internal Energy & Work

In summary, the conversation discusses the concept of free expansion of gas and its effects on internal energy and work done. It is mentioned that in an ideal gas, the temperature remains constant while for a real gas, it decreases due to the interaction between particles. However, there is an exception to this for some gases at certain temperatures.
  • #1
Apashanka
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If a gas is suddenly allowed to expand freely and adibatically inside a container then from the first law of thermodynamics dQ=0,
My question is whether the change of internal energy would be 0 and if it then how would the work done be 0 (since accessible volume of the gas changes inside the container changes)??
Thqnks
 
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  • #4
Apashanka said:
Thanks that's clear now but temp remains constt for ideal gas but for real gas it decrease ,can you please help me in clearing this concept
Thank you
For a real gas, you have to take into account the interaction between particles. In most cases, there is an overall attractive interaction (negative potential energy) which leads to a decrease in temperature when the gas expands and the attraction between the particle is globally lower because of the greater volume occupied. Note that this is not always true, as each gas has an inversion temperature above which the gas will heat upon expansion. This is already the case at room temperature and pressure for helium.
 
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FAQ: Free Expansion of Gas: Internal Energy & Work

What is free expansion of gas?

The free expansion of gas is a process in thermodynamics where a gas expands without any external work being done or received. This means that the gas expands into a vacuum or empty space, and there is no change in temperature or pressure.

How does free expansion affect the internal energy of a gas?

During free expansion, the internal energy of the gas remains constant. This is because no work is being done on the gas, and there is no exchange of heat with the surroundings. Therefore, the gas does not gain or lose any energy.

What is the relationship between work and internal energy in free expansion?

In free expansion, no work is done by the gas or on the gas. This means that the work done on the gas is equal to zero, and therefore, the change in internal energy is also equal to zero. This is because work is a form of energy, and without any work being done, there is no change in energy.

Is free expansion an irreversible process?

Yes, free expansion is considered an irreversible process. This is because energy is not conserved during free expansion, and there is no way to reverse the process and return the gas to its original state without external work being done.

Can free expansion be used to do work?

No, free expansion cannot be used to do work. This is because no work is being done on the gas or by the gas in this process. In order for work to be done, there must be a change in volume or pressure, which does not occur in free expansion.

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