Entropy: Interactive Simulations
These simulations run on your browser. Try to predict the behavior when a parameter changes before using a slider to change that parameter. Screencasts explain how to use these simulations.
Ranque-Hilsch Vortex Tube
Try to answer these questions before determining the answer with the simulation. We suggest that you write down the reasons for your answers.
- A Ranque-Hilsch vortex tube splits a high-pressure gas into a cold stream and a hot stream at lower pressure. Suppose the low-temperature stream is at 269 K for a feed pressure of 2.4 bar. If the feed pressure increases how does the temperature of the cold stream change?
- A Ranque-Hilsch vortex tube splits a high-pressure gas into a cold stream and a hot stream at lower pressure. Suppose the low-temperature stream is at 243 K and 1/3rd of the feed gas leaves in the cold stream. If the fraction of the gas leaving in the cold stream increases how does the temperature of the cold stream change?
- A Ranque-Hilsch vortex tube splits a high-pressure gas into a cold stream and a hot stream at lower pressure. How does the temperature change between the feed stream and the low-temperature stream compare to the temperature change if the gas was expanded adiabatically and reversibly?
Entropy Changes in Mixing Ideal Gases
Try to answer these questions before determining the answer with the simulation. We suggest that you write down the reasons for your answers.
- How does the total entropy change when the initial partial pressure of A increases?
- If 1 mol of A and 1 mol of B, each at 0.5 bar, are mixed at constant temperature so that the final pressure is 1 bar, does entropy increase?