Purchase Solution

Entropy increase of Carnot engine operating on methane

Not what you're looking for?

Ask Custom Question

A Carnot engine operates on 1 kg of methane, which we shall consider to be an ideal gas. Take γ = 1.35. The ratio of the maximum volume to the minimum volume is 4 and the cycle efficiency is 25 percent. Find the entropy increase of the methane during the isothermal expansion.

γ = cp/cv

η = .25 = 1-T1/T2

I know to consider the definition of ds (ds = dq/T), and apply it to the isothermal expansion.

Then consider how temperature and volume change for the adiabatic process and use the given information about the efficiency to get a relationship between the temperatures of the hot and cold reservoirs.

Purchase this Solution

Solution Summary

The solution discusses the entropy increase of the Carnot engine operating on methane.

Solution Preview

The explanations are in the attached text, which is uploaded in two formats: Word 2007 and pdf, to see which one is more convenient for you

If you need more or different explanations, you can ask your questions in the feedback or via messages.

Carnot cycle is explained on web page http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carnot_cycle
We shall use the notations of Figure 2 on this web page.
The given ratio of the of the maximum volume to the minimum volume is
V_3/V_1 =4 (1)
in the notations of Figure 2. In the same notations we also can write
V_3/V_1 =V_3/V_2 ⋅V_2/V_1 ...

Purchase this Solution


Free BrainMass Quizzes
Classical Mechanics

This quiz is designed to test and improve your knowledge on Classical Mechanics.

The Moon

Test your knowledge of moon phases and movement.

Variables in Science Experiments

How well do you understand variables? Test your knowledge of independent (manipulated), dependent (responding), and controlled variables with this 10 question quiz.

Basic Physics

This quiz will test your knowledge about basic Physics.

Introduction to Nanotechnology/Nanomaterials

This quiz is for any area of science. Test yourself to see what knowledge of nanotechnology you have. This content will also make you familiar with basic concepts of nanotechnology.