Thermodynamics Homework- Part I

CLIM 710
Introduction to the Physical Climate System
David M. Straus
George Mason University

March 1, 2017

1 Problem 1

Using the first law of thermodynamics

δq = T ds = du + p dv (1)
where v is the volume per unit mass, derive the following equa-
tions for the differential change of entropy of an ideal gas:
ds = Cv d ln T + R d ln v
= Cv d ln T − R d ln ρ
= Cv d ln p + Cp d ln v
= Cv d ln p − Cp d ln ρ
= Cp d ln T − R d ln p
Hint: Remember to relate the internal energy per unit mas u
to the temperature T .
1
2 Problem 2

Analyze a Carnot cycle for an ideal gas, and show explicitly

using the equation of state of the ideal gas and the First
Law of Thermodynamics that:
Q 1 T1
= : (2)
Q 2 T2
where Q1 is the heat rejected by the system at the lower tem-
perature, and Q2 is the heat added to the system at the higher
temperature. Note that both Q1 and Q2 are defined as posi-
tive here. You should evaluate the heat added to and rejected
by the system along the isothermal paths of the Carnot cycle.
Accompany your equations with a neat, carefully labeled di-
agram of the Carnot cycle.

3 Problem 3

Prove that adiabats (lines of constant entropy) have a steeper

slope than isotherms (lines of constant temperature) for an
ideal gas on a p-v diagram, where the pressure p is the ordinate
and the volume per unit mass v the abscissa. Again, carefully
draw a diagram of a Carnot cycle, and compute the slopes of
the isotherms and adiabats in terms of p and v.

2
4 Problem 4

Prove that it is impossible for two lines corresponding to re-

versible adiabatic processes on a thermodynamic diagram to
intersect. (HINT: Assume that they do intersect and complete
a cycle with with an isothermal line. Show that the perfor-
mance of this cycle would violate the second law.)

5 Problem 5

Consult lecture 14 Thermodynamics Part 2. Generalize the

argument given in Section 7.1 on Changes of Phase. to the
equilibrium between three phases of the a substance: vapor,
liquid, water. This will require a revision of equations (54) -
(57). Combine these equations into a single equation, similar
to Equation (63). Then derive the equivalent of equations (64)
and (65). Show that the equilibrium between the three phases
can occur only at a single point in the thermodynamic diagram.
our Show all your mathematical steps.

6 Problem 6

(extra credit) Prove Equations (91) for the conditions of equi-

librium of water vapor and liquid water in the presence of dray

3
air: Consult lecture 14 Thermodynamics Part 2. Using the
constraints given by equations (86)-(90), derive a single equa-
tion for the condition that ds = 0, and use this to prove all the
relationships given in equation (91).