Problem from Fermi's Thermodynamics

In summary: I'm not sure if this is correct or if there is a more elegant way to solve for U.In summary, the student is struggling with the homework problem from chapter 4 of Fermi's Thermodynamics. They are trying to find the energy of a system as a function of temperature and volume, but they do not seem to have a solution. They may need to look into a different method or equation to solve for the energy.
  • #1
Chasing_Time
8
0
Hi all, I am getting stuck on this problem from chapter 4 of Fermi's Thermodynamics:

Homework Statement



"A body obeys the equation of state:

pV[tex]^{1.2}[/tex] = 10[tex]^{9}[/tex]T[tex]^{1.1}[/tex]

A measurement of its thermal capacity inside a container having the constant volume of 100 L shows that under these conditions, the thermal capacity (heat) capacity is constant and equal to 0.1 calories / K. Express the energy of the system as a function of T and V."

Homework Equations



The first law: dQ = dU + dW.

Since we want U=U(T,V), we can express the first law as:

[tex]
\left(\frac{\partial Q}{\partial T}\right)_V dT + \left(\frac{\partial Q}{\partial V}\right)_T dV = \left(\frac{\partial U}{\partial T}\right)_V dT + [(\left(\frac{\partial U}{\partial V}\right)_T + (\frac{10^9*T^{1.1}}{V^{1.2}})] dV
[/tex]

We also know:

[tex]
\left(\frac{\partial U}{\partial V}\right)_T = T\left(\frac{\partial p}{\partial T}\right)_V - p
[/tex]

where again p can be substituted from the defined equation of state.

The Attempt at a Solution



I'm tempted to say that [tex]\left(\frac{\partial Q}{\partial T}\right)_V = 0.1 cal / K [/tex] with the corresponding V = 100 L. If I do this and assume all dV = 0 for constant volume I get what appears to be a trivial result. I feel like I need to get a perfect differential to solve for U(T,V), but I don't see how. Other than that I haven't done much more than toy with the above equations. Thanks for your time.
 
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  • #2
I have looked at the problem again recently but still don't have much more insight. I see that, by the first law, since no work is being done (constant volume):

[tex]

\left(\frac{\partial Q}{\partial T}\right)_V = C_v = \left(\frac{\partial U}{\partial T}\right)_V

[/tex]

Using [tex]

\left(\frac{\partial U}{\partial V}\right)_T = T\left(\frac{\partial p}{\partial T}\right)_V - p

[/tex], setting up a perfect differential and taking the derivatives, we can get:

[tex] dU = (0.1 cal / K) dT + \frac{10^{8}T^{1.1}}{V^{1.2}}dV [/tex], but I don't see how to go further. Any ideas?
 
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  • #3
Try expressing the constant-volume heat capacity as

[tex]C_V=T\left(\frac{\partial S}{\partial T}\right)_V[/tex]

Then determine S by integration (note that a function of V appears that needs to be evaluated via a Maxwell relation), and use

[tex]U=TS-PV+\mu N[/tex]

where [itex]\mu[/itex] needs to be evaluated by using the heat capacity condition.

This was pretty difficult to work through. There may be an easier way. I eventually got [itex]U=(0.1\,\mathrm{cal}/\mathrm{K})T[/itex] plus a function of T and V that vanished when [itex]V=100\,\mathrm{L}[/itex].
 

FAQ: Problem from Fermi's Thermodynamics

What is the problem from Fermi's Thermodynamics?

The problem from Fermi's Thermodynamics is a thought experiment proposed by physicist Enrico Fermi in 1936. It involves calculating the number of possible quantum states of a system, which is now known as the "Fermi problem".

Why is the problem from Fermi's Thermodynamics important?

Fermi's problem is important because it demonstrates the use of scientific estimation and approximation in solving complex problems. It also highlights the importance of understanding basic principles and assumptions in physics.

How is the problem from Fermi's Thermodynamics solved?

The problem is solved by breaking it down into smaller, more manageable parts and making reasonable assumptions about the parameters involved. The final answer is then refined by considering additional factors and adjusting the initial assumptions if necessary.

Can the problem from Fermi's Thermodynamics be applied to real-world situations?

Yes, the problem can be applied to a variety of real-world scenarios, such as estimating the number of cells in a human body or the number of stars in the observable universe. It can also be used to make informed decisions in fields such as economics and engineering.

What are some common misconceptions about the problem from Fermi's Thermodynamics?

One common misconception is that the problem is only relevant to physics and cannot be applied to other disciplines. Another misconception is that the answer to the problem must be precise and exact, when in reality it is meant to be an estimate based on reasonable assumptions.

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