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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:
  1. 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.
  2. When an ideal gas is compressed adiabatically, its temperature increases.
  3. 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