Final answer:
In this question, we need to calculate the useful work done by a system consisting of water as it is compressed isothermally. We also need to find the increase in availability and determine the irreversibility of the process.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the given question, we have a system consisting of 1lb of water initially at 200 psi and 500 F. The system is then compressed isothermally to 300 psi while being cooled to atmospheric pressure.
(a) To calculate the useful work done by the system, we need to find the change in volume of the water. Using the ideal gas law, we can calculate the initial and final volumes of the water. Then, we can use the formula for work done in an isothermal process to find the useful work done.
(b) The increase in availability is the difference between the initial and final availability of the system. Availability is a measure of the useful work that can be extracted from a system and is determined by the temperature and pressure of the system.
(c) The irreversibility of the process can be determined by comparing the actual work done with the reversible work. If the actual work is less than the reversible work, there is irreversibility in the process.