SOLUTION: Draw the P-V diagram for an irreversible expansion of gas from 0.500 L to 2.00 L. The initial pressure is 1.25 ×10⁴ atm, and the temperature remains at a constant 273 K.

Algebra ->  Customizable Word Problem Solvers  -> Misc -> SOLUTION: Draw the P-V diagram for an irreversible expansion of gas from 0.500 L to 2.00 L. The initial pressure is 1.25 ×10⁴ atm, and the temperature remains at a constant 273 K.      Log On

Ad: Over 600 Algebra Word Problems at edhelper.com


    

Question 1189566: Draw the P-V diagram for an irreversible expansion of gas from 0.500 L to 2.00 L. The initial pressure is 1.25 ×10⁴ atm, and the temperature remains at a constant 273 K.
Answer by CPhill(1987) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
**Understanding Irreversible Expansion**
* **Reversible Expansion:** In a reversible expansion, the system is always infinitesimally close to equilibrium. This means the process can be reversed by an infinitesimal change in conditions. On a P-V diagram, a reversible expansion is represented by a smooth curve.
* **Irreversible Expansion:** In an irreversible expansion, the system is not at equilibrium during the process. This is often due to a sudden change in conditions or the presence of friction. The work done by the system is less than in a reversible process between the same initial and final states.
**Drawing the P-V Diagram**
1. **Axes:** Draw a set of axes with Pressure (P) on the vertical axis and Volume (V) on the horizontal axis.
2. **Initial State:** Mark the initial state of the gas:
* V1 = 0.500 L
* P1 = 1.25 × 10⁴ atm
3. **Final State:** Mark the final state of the gas:
* V2 = 2.00 L
4. **Irreversible Path:** Since the expansion is irreversible, we cannot draw a smooth curve. Instead, we represent it with a dashed line or a series of small steps. The path will be lower than the curve for a reversible isothermal expansion.
5. **Isothermal Curve (Optional):** For comparison, you can draw a dashed curve representing a reversible isothermal expansion between the same initial and final states. This curve will be higher than the irreversible path.
**Key Features of the Diagram**
* The irreversible path will start at the initial state (P1, V1) and end at the final state (P2, V2).
* The path will be below the reversible isothermal curve (if drawn).
* The area under the irreversible path represents the work done by the gas, which will be less than the work done in a reversible expansion.
**Note:** The exact shape of the irreversible path is not crucial, as long as it indicates that the process is irreversible and the work done is less than in a reversible process.