Adiabatic Reversible Expansion and Compression: Summary
The answers to the ConcepTests are given below and will open in a separate window.
Key points from this module:
- The equation relating initial pressure and temperature to final temperature and pressure for an adiabatic reversible process for an ideal gas is the same for a closed system and for a steady-state flow system.
- When an ideal gas is compressed adiabatically, its temperature increases.
- When an ideal gas is expanded adiabatically, its temperature decreases.
From studying this module, you should now be able to:
- Calculate the final temperature and volume for an adiabatic, reversible expansion or compression of an ideal gas, given the initial temperature and pressure (or volume) and the final pressure.
- Calculate the final temperature and pressure for an adiabatic, reversible expansion or compression of an ideal gas, given the initial temperature and pressure or volume) and the final volume.
- Calculate the work for an adiabatic, reversible expansion or compression of an ideal gas in a closed system.
- Calculate the shaft work for adiabatic, reversible expansion or compression of an ideal gas in a steady-state flow system.
- Carry out the above calculations for either a constant heat capacity or a temperature-dependent heat capacity.
Prepared by John L. Falconer, Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder