Question

The volume of 2.0 kg of helium in a piston-cylinder device is initially 7 m3. Now the helium is compressed to 5 m3 while its pressure is maintained constant at 160 kPa. Determine: (a) The initial and final temperatures of helium. (b) The work required to compress it, in kJ.

Answer 1

A) T1 = 269.63 K

T2 = 192.59 K

B) W = -320 KJ

Step-by-step explanation:

We are given;

Initial volume: V1 = 7 m³

Final Volume; V2 = 5 m³

Constant Pressure; P = 160 KPa

Mass; m = 2 kg

To find the initial and final temperatures, we will use the ideal gas formula;

T = PV/mR

Where R is gas constant of helium = R = 2.0769 kPa.m/kg

Thus;

Initial temperature; T1 = (160 × 7)/(2 × 2.0769) = 269.63 K

Final temperature; T2 = (160 × 5)/(2 × 2.0769) = 192.59 K

B) world one is given by the formula;

W = P(V2 - V1)

W = 160(5 - 7)

W = -320 KJ