Question

Air is compressed in a piston–cylinder assembly from p₁ = 10 lbf/in², T₁ = 500°R, V₁ = 9 ft³ to a final volume of V₂ = 1 ft³ in a process described by p⁢v¹.²⁰=constant. Assume ideal gas behavior and neglect kinetic and potential energy effects.

Using constant specific heats evaluated at T₁, determine the work and the heat transfer, in Btu.

Answer 1

The question involves calculating the work done and heat transfer of compressed air in a piston–cylinder assembly, using principles of thermodynamics and ideal gas behavior.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question deals with an ideal gas undergoing different thermodynamic processes in a piston–cylinder assembly. Given that air is compressed from an initial state characterized by a pressure of p1 = 10 lbf/in², a temperature of T1 = 500°R, and a volume of V1 = 9 ft³ to a final volume of V2 = 1 ft³ following a polytropic process (pV1.20= constant), we are tasked to calculate the work done and heat transfer. The process requires applying thermodynamic principles such as the first law of thermodynamics, polytropic process equations, and ideal gas law assumptions.

By using the applicable equations and given constants, including the specific heat ratios and initial conditions, we solve for the unknown quantities.