Problem 1.31 (Schroeder’s Intro to Thermal Physics)

Problem 1.31

Imagine some helium in a cylinder with an initial volume of 1 liter and an initial pressure of 1 atm. Somehow the helium is made to expand to a final volume of 3 liters, in such a way that its pressure rises in direct proportion to its volume.

(a) Sketch a graph of pressure vs. volume for this process.
(b) Calculate the work done on the gas during this process, assuming that there are no “other” types of work being done.
(c) Calculate the change in the helium’s energy content during this process.
(d) Calculate the amount of heat added to or removed from the helium during
this process.
(e) Describe what you might do to cause the pressure to rise as the helium
expands.

Solution:

Problem 1.31

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