ChE 122 THR/THU

Ideal Gas Process Calculations Sample Problems

1.

Helium undergoes the following sequence of mechanically reversible processes in a

closed system:
a. From an initial state of 70C and 1 bar, it is compressed adiabatically to 150C.
b. It is then cooled from 150C to 70C at constant pressure
c. Finally, it is expanded isothermally to its original state.
Calculate W, Q, U and H for each step and for the overall process. Assume ideal gas.

2. If each of the processes in (1) were carried out irreversibly but so as to accomplish exactly
the same change in state (same P, T, H and U). Calculate Q and W if each step is carried
out with an efficiency of 80%.
3. Argon initially at 30C and 1 bar, is changed to 130C and 10bar by four mechanically
reversible processes
a. Heating at constant volume to 130C, followed by isothermal compression to 10
bar
b. Heating at constant pressure to 130C, followed by isothermal compression to 10
bar
c. Isothermal compression to 10 bar, followed by heating at constant pressure to
130C.
Calculate W, Q, U and H for each step and for the overall process. Assume ideal gas.
4. If each of the processes in (3) were carried out irreversibly but so as to accomplish exactly
the same change in state (same P, T, H and U). Calculate Q and W if each step is carried
out with an efficiency of 85%.
5. A process consists of two steps: One mole of air at 800K and 4 bar is cooled at constant
volume to 350K. The air is then heated at constant pressure until its final temperature
reaches 800K. If this two-step process is replaced by a single isothermal expansion of the
air from 800K and 4 bar to some final pressure P, what is the value of P that will make the
work of the 2 processes the same? Assume the processes to be reversible and air is an
ideal diatomic gas.