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AQA A-Level Physics > Engineering - Thermodynamics > Flashcards

Engineering - Thermodynamics Flashcards

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1
Q

In the equation ΔQ = Δu + ΔW

What does each stand for?

A

ΔQ: heat transfer to gas
Δu: increase in internal energy
ΔW: work done by gas

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2
Q

In the equation ΔQ = Δu + ΔW

What does it mean if Q is negative?

A

Energy transfers out of the system

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3
Q

In the equation ΔQ = Δu + ΔW

What does it mean if u is negative?

A

Internal energy has decreased

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4
Q

In the equation ΔQ = Δu + ΔW

What does it mean if w is negative?

A

Work is done on the system by external action

Energy transfers into the system

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5
Q

State the first law of thermodynamics

A

The change in internal energy of a system (Δu) is equal to the sum of the energy entering the system by heating (ΔQ) and the energy entering the system through work being done on it (ΔW)

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6
Q

Define adiabatic

A

No heat energy is transferred

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7
Q

What are the requirements for an adiabatic change?

A

Action is quick
Negligible transfer to surroundings
ΔQ=0

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8
Q

Outline an adiabatic compression by a piston on a gas

A

Perfect insulator between gas and surroundings
When piston pushed down, gas is compressed and work is done on the gas
Δu = ΔW
Temperature increases as u increases

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9
Q

Why does temperature of a gas fall when it expands adiabatically?

A

Work is done at the expense of internal energy

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10
Q

Outline an isothermal compression by a piston on a gas

A

Work is done on the gas as the piston moves down
Perfect conductor between gas and surroundings which allows free flow of heat
As gas is compressed, heat escapes so there is no change in temperature (Δu=0)
-ΔQ=ΔW

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11
Q

In an ideal gas, what is u?

A

The Ek of its molecules

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12
Q

Where does pressure in a piston come from?

A

Gas molecules colliding with external walls

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13
Q

Prove that W=pΔV

A

Gas expands by very small Δx without pressure change
volume change is AΔx
F=pA
W=Fd=pAΔx=pΔV

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14
Q

What does W=pΔV mean for compression or expansion?

A

If volume decreases, we gain a negative change and a negative value for work done
So work is done on the gas

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15
Q

What is the equation involving pressure and volume for an adiabatic compression?

A

pV^γ = constant

γ changes on type of gas (diatomic etc)

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16
Q

Using a p against V graph, how are adiabatic and isothermal processes identified?

A

Adiabatic have steeper gradients than isothermal

17
Q

How is work done calculated from a p against V graph?

A

Area under the curve

18
Q

What is the gradient for adiabatic?

A

Δp/ΔV=-γp/V

19
Q

Why is mechanical efficiency always less than 100%?

A

Friction between moving parts

Oil for lubrication is viscous so causes some resistance to motion

20
Q

Why is thermal efficiency lower than in theory?

A

No sharp corners like in the diagram so less work is done
Maximum temperature not reached
Not perfectly adiabatic compression and expansion
Work done by engine to cause induction and exhaust strokes

21
Q

What are the steps of the petrol engine cycle?

A

Inlet valve opens, exhaust valve closes
Induction stroke - air drawn into cylinder as piston moves down
Inlet valve closes
Compression stroke - piston moves up, gas compressed adiabatically, temperature rises
Spark ignites mixture, supplying heat Q1 and increasing p at constant V, temperature rises
Power stroke - increased p pushes piston down and gas expands adiabatically, p and T decrease
Exhaust valve opens and gas leaves cylinder, removing heat Q2, p and T decreases
Exhaust stroke - rest of gas is expelled as piston moves up
Cycle repeats

22
Q

Why is the petrol cycle a four stroke cycle?

A

Piston moves four times

Drawing in air (piston down), compressing air (piston up), gas expansion (piston down), removing air (piston up)

23
Q

What are the steps of the diesel engine cycle?

A

Inlet valve opens and exhaust valve closes
Induction stroke - air in, piston down
Inlet valve closes
Compression stroke - adiabatic compression, piston up, T increases
Power stroke part 1 - Fuel enters cylinder, ignited by hot air, supplies heat Q1, piston forced down, constant p
Power stroke part 2 - Fuel supply cut off, gas expands adiabatically, piston down, T decreases
Exhaust valve opens, most gas leaves, heat Q2 removed, p and T decrease
Exhaust stroke - Piston up, gas expelled
Cycle repeats

24
Q

As in the diesel engine cycle, fuel is burnt inside the cylinder, what kind of engine is it?

A

Internal combustion engine

25
Q

What occurs once a heating coil placed in flowing water, reaches a steady state?

A

Coil’s state does not change

All electrical energy going to coil goes to heating water

26
Q

How can the steady state of a heating coil in flowing water be applied to mechanical work overcoming friction?

A

All mechanical energy is converted to heat

27
Q

What is a device called that does heat to work?

A

Heat exchange

28
Q

How can the idea of a heat exchange be applied to gas in a piston system?

A

If heat is added the gas expands, piston is pushed
So heat to work
Process stops when piston pressure is atmospheric

29
Q

State the 2nd law of thermodynamics

A

It is not possible to continuously convert heat into work without at the same time transferring some heat from the warmer body to the colder body

30
Q

Consider an engine between a hot reservoir at T1 and a cold reservoir T2, what would the process be for heat exchange?

A

Heat is taken in from the hot reservoir, Q1
Work is done, Q1 - Q2
Reject some heat at lower temperature, Q2

31
Q

Consider an ideal engine between a source and a sink, outputting work. How is the efficiency found?

A 
Source temperature Th and sink temperature Tc can be defined as ratio Qh/Qc
Qh is heat entering, Qc is heat leaving
So Th/Tc = Qh/Qc
Efficiency = W/Qh x 100%
Therefore efficiency = Th-Tc/Th x 100%
32
Q

Explain the process used by a fridge to keep the inside cool

A

Takes in low temp air that is cooled by expansion
Air takes in energy from inside fridge to get to same temp as before
Compressed to hotter temp and ejected
Fridge effectively removes heat from low temp reservoir

33
Q

Explain the process used by a heat pump

A

Take in low temp and compress to high temp
Surrounding is heated up
Eject heat at high temp
External action needed like a motor or pump action working on substance
Heat pump effectively supplies heat to high temp reservoir

34
Q

What is the effectiveness of a refrigerator/heat pump determined by?

A

Coefficient of performance

35
Q

What is the coefficient of performance?

A

Ratio of heat extracted or supplied compared to work done by external action

AQA A-Level Physics (17 decks)

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