First Law of Thermodynamics

By: S K Mondal

4.

Chapter 4

First Law of Thermodynamics

Some Important Notes

dQ is an inexact differential, and we write

dQ = Q12 or

Q2 Q2 Q1

dW is an inexact differential, and we write

W12 =

(Q)cycle = (W)cycle

or

v Q

dW =

pdV W2 W1

v W

The summations being over the entire cycle.

Q W = dE

An isolated system which does not interact with the surroundings Q = 0 and W = 0.
Therefore, E remains constant for such a system.
The Zeroth Law deals with thermal equilibrium and provides a means for measuring
temperatures.
The First Law deals with the conservation of energy and introduces the concept of
internal energy.
The Second Law of thermodynamics provides with the guidelines on the conversion heat
energy of matter into work. It also introduces the concept of entropy.
The Third Law of thermodynamics defines the absolute zero of entropy. The entropy of a
pure crystalline substance at absolute zero temperature is zero.

Summation of 3 Laws
Firstly, there isnt a meaningful temperature of the source from which we can get the full
conversion of heat to work. Only at infinite temperature one can dream of getting the full 1
kW work output.
Secondly, more interestingly, there isnt enough work available to produce 0K. In other
words, 0 K is unattainable. This is precisely the Third law.
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First Law of Thermodynamics

By: S K Mondal

Chapter 4

Because, we dont know what 0 K looks like, we havent got a starting point for the
temperature scale!! That is why all temperature scales are at best empirical.
You cant get something for nothing:
To get work output you must give some thermal energy.
You cant get something for very little:
To get some work output there is a minimum amount of thermal energy that
needs to be given.
You cant get every thing:
However much work you are willing to give 0 K cant be reached.
Violation of all 3 laws:
Try to get everything for nothing.

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First Law of Thermodynamics

By: S K Mondal

Chapter 4

Questions with Solution P. K. Nag

Q4.1

Solution:

An engine is tested by means of a water brake at 1000 rpm. The

measured torque of the engine is 10000 mN and the water consumption
of the brake is 0.5 m3/s, its inlet temperature being 20C. Calculate the
water temperature at exit, assuming that the whole of the engine power
is ultimately transformed into heat which is absorbed by the cooling
water.
(Ans. 20.5C)
Power = T.
2 1000
= 10000

60

= 1.0472 106 W
= 1.0472MW
Let final temperature = tC
 s t
Heat absorb by cooling water / unit = m
= v s t
= 0.5 1000 4.2 ( t 20 )

0.5 1000 4.2 ( t 20 ) = 1.0472 10

t 20 = 0.4986 0.5

t = 20.5C

Q4.2

In a cyclic process, heat transfers are + 14.7 kJ, 25.2 kJ, 3.56 kJ and +
31.5 kJ. What is the net work for this cyclic process?

Solution :

Q = (14.7 + 31.5 25.2 3.56 ) kJ

(Ans. 17.34 kJ)

-25.2kJ

= 17.44 kJ

From first law of thermodynamics

(for a cyclic process)

+14.7kJ

Q = W
W = 17.44 kJ

Q4.3

-3.56kJ

31.5kJ

A slow chemical reaction takes place in a fluid at the constant pressure

of 0.1 MPa. The fluid is surrounded by a perfect heat insulator during
the reaction which begins at state 1 and ends at state 2. The insulation is
then removed and 105 kJ of heat flow to the surroundings as the fluid
goes to state 3. The following data are observed for the fluid at states 1, 2
and 3.
State
v (m3)
t (C)
1
0.003
20
2
0.3
370
3
0.06
20
For the fluid system, calculate E2 and E3, if E1 = 0
(Ans. E2 = 29.7 kJ, E3 = 110.7 kJ)

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First Law of Thermodynamics

By: S K Mondal
Solution:

Chapter 4

From first law of thermodynamics

dQ = E + pdV

Q = E + pdV
2

Q12 = ( E2 E1 ) + pdV
1

or
or

[as insulated Q23 = 0]

= ( E2 E1 ) + 0.1 103 (0.3 0.003)

E2 = 29.7 kJ
3

Q23 = ( E3 E2 ) + pdV
2

or

105 = ( E3 E2 ) + 0.1 103 ( 0.06 0.3 )

or

105 = E3 + 29.7 + 0.1 103 ( 0.06 0.3 )

or

105 = E3 + 29.7 24

or
Q4.4

Solution:

E3 = 105 29.7 + 24

= 110.7 kJ
During one cycle the working fluid in an engine engages in two work
interactions: 15 kJ to the fluid and 44 kJ from the fluid, and three heat
interactions, two of which are known: 75 kJ to the fluid and 40 kJ from
the fluid. Evaluate the magnitude and direction of the third heat
transfer.
(Ans. 6 kJ)
From first law of thermodynamics
W = -15kJ
dQ = dW
1

Q1 + Q2 + Q3 = W1 + W2

or

75 40 + Q3 = 15 + 44

Q1 = 75kJ

W2 = 44kJ

Q3 = 6kJ
i.e. 6kJ from the system
Q = -40kJ

Q4.5

Solution:

Q3

A domestic refrigerator is loaded with food and the door closed. During
a certain period the machine consumes 1 kWh of energy and the internal
energy of the system drops by 5000 kJ. Find the net heat transfer for the
system.
(Ans. 8.6 MJ)
Q = E + W
Q2 1 = ( E2 E1 ) + W2 1

1000 3600
kJ
1000
= 8.6MJ

= 5000kJ +

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-W

First Law of Thermodynamics

By: S K Mondal
Q4.6

Solution:

Q4.7

Chapter 4

1.5 kg of liquid having a constant specific heat of 2.5 kJ/kg K is stirred in

a well-insulated chamber causing the temperature to rise by 15C. Find
E and W for the process.
(Ans. E = 56.25 kJ, W = 56.25 kJ)
Heat added to the system = 1.5 2.5 15kJ
= 56.25 kJ

E rise = 56.25kJ
As it is insulated then dQ = 0

Q = E + W
or
0 = 56.25 + W
or
W = 56.25 kJ

Solution:

The same liquid as in Problem 4.6 is stirred in a conducting chamber.

During the process 1.7 kJ of heat are transferred from the liquid to the
surroundings, while the temperature of the liquid is rising to 15C. Find
E and W for the process.
(Ans. E = 54.55 kJ, W = 56.25 kJ)
As temperature rise is same so internal energy is same
E = 56.25 kJ
As heat is transferred form the system so we have to give more work = 1.7 kJ to
the system
So
W = 56.25 1.7 kJ
= 57.95 kJ

Q4.8

The properties of a certain fluid are related as follows:

u = 196 + 0.718 t
pv = 0.287 (t + 273)

Solution:

Where u is the specific internal energy (kJ/kg), t is in C, p is pressure

(kN/m2), and v is specific volume (m3/kg). For this fluid, find cv and cp.
(Ans. 0.718, 1.005 kJ/kg K)
h
Cp =

T p
( u + pV )
=

{196 + 0.718t + 0.287 ( t + 273 )}

=

p
0 + 0.718 t + 0.287 t + 0
=

p
t

= 1.005
T p

= 1.005 kJ / kg K

Page 33 of 265

T = t + 273
T = t

First Law of Thermodynamics

By: S K Mondal

Chapter 4

u
cv =

T v
(196 + 0.718t )
=

v
t

= 0 + 0.718
T v

= 0.718 kJ / kg K
Q4.9

Solution:

A system composed of 2 kg of the above fluid expands in a frictionless

piston and cylinder machine from an initial state of 1 MPa, 100C to a
final temperature of 30C. If there is no heat transfer, find the net work
for the process.
(Ans. 100.52 kJ)
Heat transfer is not there so
Q = E + W
W = E

= U
2

= Cv dT
1

= 0.718 ( T2 T1 )
= 0.718 (100 30 )
= 50.26 kJ / kg

Total work (W) = 2 (-50.26) = -100.52 kJ

Q 4.10

If all the work in the expansion of Problem 4.9 is done on the moving
piston, show that the equation representing the path of the expansion in
the pv-plane is given by pvl.4 = constant.

Solution:

Let the process is pV n = constant.

Then
p V p2 V2
Work done = 1 1
n 1
mRT 1 mRT2
=
n 1
=

or
or
or
Q4.11

mR
( T1 T2 )
n 1
2 0.287 (100 30 )

n 1
n 1 = 0.39972
n = 1.39972 1.4

pV = mRT]

R = ( c p c v )

= 1.005 0.718

= 0.287 kJ / kg K

= 100.52

A stationary system consisting of 2 kg of the fluid of Problem 4.8

expands in an adiabatic process according to pvl.2 = constant. The initial

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First Law of Thermodynamics

By: S K Mondal

Chapter 4

conditions are 1 MPa and 200C, and the final pressure is 0.1 MPa. Find
W and E for the process. Why is the work transfer not equal to pdV ?

(Ans. W= 217.35, E = 217.35 kJ,

Solution:

T2 p2
=
T1 p1

n 1
n

0.1
=

pdV

= 434.4 kJ)

1.2 1
1.2

0.2

T2 = T1 ( 0.10 )1.2
= 322.251
= 49.25C

From first law of thermodynamics

dQ = E + dW

0 = Cv dT + dW
dW = Cv dT
2

= 0.718 dT = 0.718 ( 200 49.25 ) kJ / kg

1

W = 2 W
= 2 108.2356kJ
= 216.5kJ
E = 216.5kJ
p V p V
pdV = 1 n1 12 2
mRT1 mRT2
=
n 1
mR ( T1 T2 )
=
n 1
2 0.287 ( 200 49.25 )
=
(1.2 1)
= 432.65kJ

As this is not quasi-static process so work is not pdV .

Q4.12

A mixture of gases expands at constant pressure from 1 MPa, 0.03 m3 to

0.06 m3 with 84 kJ positive heat transfer. There is no work other than
that done on a piston. Find DE for the gaseous mixture.
(Ans. 54 kJ)
The same mixture expands through the same state path while a stirring
device does 21 kJ of work on the system. Find E, W, and Q for the
process.
(Ans. 54 kJ, 21 kJ, 33 kJ)

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First Law of Thermodynamics

By: S K Mondal
Solution:

Chapter 4

Work done by the gas ( W ) = pdV

= p ( V2 V1 )

= 1 103 ( 0.06 0.03 ) kJ

= 30kJ
Heat added = 89kJ

Q = E + W
E = Q W = 89 30 = 54kJ
or

Q4.13

Solution:

A mass of 8 kg gas expands within a flexible container so that the pv

relationship is of the from pvl.2 = constant. The initial pressure is 1000
kPa and the initial volume is 1 m3. The final pressure is 5 kPa. If specific
internal energy of the gas decreases by 40 kJ/kg, find the heat transfer in
magnitude and direction.
(Ans. + 2615 kJ)
T2 p2
=
T1 p1

n 1
n

V
= 1
V2

p2 V1
=

p1 V2

n 1

or

V2 p1 n
=
V1 p2

or

p n
V2 = V1 1
p2

Q4.14

1000 1.2
= 1
= 82.7 m3

5
p V p2 V2
W= 1 1
n 1
1000 1 5 82.7
=
= 2932.5kJ
1.2 1
E = 8 40 = 320 kJ
Q = E + W = 320 + 2932.5 = 2612.5kJ

A gas of mass 1.5 kg undergoes a quasi-static expansion which follows a

relationship p = a + bV, where a and b are constants. The initial and final
pressures are 1000 kPa and 200 kPa respectively and the corresponding
volumes are 0.20 m3 and 1.20 m3. The specific internal energy of the gas
is given by the relation

u = l.5 pv 85 kJ/kg
Where p is the kPa and v is in m3/kg. Calculate the net heat transfer and
the maximum internal energy of the gas attained during expansion.
(Ans. 660 kJ, 503.3 kJ)

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First Law of Thermodynamics

By: S K Mondal

Chapter 4

Solution:

1000 = a + b 0.2

.... ( i )

200 = a + b 1.2

... ( ii )

( ii ) ( i ) gives
800 = b
a = 1000 + 2 800 = 1160

p = 1160 800V

W=

v2

pdV

v1

1.2

(1160 800V ) dV

0.2

1.2

= 1160V 400V 2
0.2

= 1160 (1.2 0.2 ) 400 1.22 .22 kJ

= 1160 560kJ = 600kJ
0.2
85 = 215kJ / kg
1.5
1.2
u2 = 1.5 200
85 = 155kJ / kg
1.5
u = u2 u1 = ( 275 215 ) = 40kJ / kg
u1 = 1.5 1000

U = mu = 40 1.5 = 60kJ
Q = U + W = 60 + 600 = 660kJ
u = 1.5pv 85kJ / kg
1160 800v
= 1.5
v 85kJ / kg
1.5

2
= 1160v 800v 85kJ / kg
u
= 1160 1600v
v
u
1160
= 0 v =
= 0.725
v
1600
2
= 1160 0.725 800 ( 0.725 ) 85kJ / kg

for max imum u,

umax .
U max

Q4.15

= 335.5kJ / kg
= 1.5umax = 503.25kJ

The heat capacity at constant pressure of a certain system is a function

of temperature only and may be expressed as
C p = 2.093 +

41.87
J/C
t + 100

Where t is the temperature of the system in C. The system is heated

while it is maintained at a pressure of 1 atmosphere until its volume
increases from 2000 cm3 to 2400 cm3 and its temperature increases from
0C to 100C.
(a) Find the magnitude of the heat interaction.
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First Law of Thermodynamics

By: S K Mondal

Chapter 4

(b) How much does the internal energy of the system increase?
(Ans. (a) 238.32 J (b) 197.79 J)
373

Solution:

Q=

C dT

t = T 273

273

t + 100 = T 173
373

41.87

2.093 + T 173 dT

273

373

= 2.093T + 41.87 ln T 173 273

200
= 2.093 ( 373 273 ) + 41.87 ln

100
= 209.3 + 41.87 ln 2
= 238.32J
Q = E + pdV
E = Q pdV

= Q p ( V2 V1 )
= 238.32 101.325 ( 0.0024 0.0020 ) 1000J

= ( 238.32 40.53 ) J
= 197.79J
Q4.16

Solution:

An imaginary engine receives heat and does work on a slowly moving

piston at such rates that the cycle of operation of 1 kg of working fluid
can be represented as a circle 10 cm in diameter on a pv diagram on
which 1 cm = 300 kPa and 1 cm = 0.1 m3/kg.
(a) How much work is done by each kg of working fluid for each cycle of
operation?
(b) The thermal efficiency of an engine is defined as the ratio of work
done and heat input in a cycle. If the heat rejected by the engine in a
cycle is 1000 kJ per kg of working fluid, what would be its thermal
efficiency?
(Ans. (a) 2356.19 kJ/kg, (b) 0.702)
Given Diameter = 10 cm
102
Work
Area =
cm2 = 78.54 cm2
4
p
1 cm2 300kPa 0.1m3 / kg
= 30kJ
30 cm dia
Total work done = 78.54 30kJ / kg
= 2356.2 kJ / kg

Heat rejected = 1000kJ

2356.2
100%
Therefore, =
2356.2 + 1000
= 70.204%

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First Law of Thermodynamics

By: S K Mondal
Q4.17

Solution:

Chapter 4

A gas undergoes a thermodynamic cycle consisting of three processes

beginning at an initial state where p1 = 1 bar, V1 = 1.5 m3 and U1 = 512 kJ.
The processes are as follows:
(i) Process 12:
Compression with pV = constant to p2 = 2
bar, U2 = 690 kJ
(ii) Process 23: W23 = 0, Q23 = 150 kJ, and
(iii) Process 31: W31 = +50 kJ. Neglecting KE and PE changes,
determine the heat interactions Q12 and Q31.
(Ans. 74 kJ, 22 kJ)
Q12 = E + pdV
v2

Q12 = ( u2 u1 ) + p1 V1

v1

dV
V

p
= ( 690 512 ) + 100 1.5 ln 1
p2
= 178 103.972
= 74.03kJ
As W2-3 is ZERO so it is constant volume process. As W31 is +ive (positive) so
expansion is done.
u3 = u2 150 = 540kJ
Q31 = u1 u3 + W

= E + W = ( 540 512 ) + 50
= 28 + 50 = 22kJ

Q4.18

A gas undergoes a thermodynamic cycle consisting of the following

processes:
(i) Process 12: Constant pressure p = 1.4 bar, V1 = 0.028 m3, W12 = 10.5
kJ
(ii) Process 23: Compression with pV = constant, U3 = U2
(iii) Process 31: Constant volume, U1 U3 = 26.4 kJ. There are no
significant changes in KE and PE.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)

Sketch the cycle on a pV diagram

Calculate the net work for the cycle in kJ
Calculate the heat transfer for process 12
Show that Q = W .
cycle

Solution:

( b ) W12

cycle

(Ans. (b) 8.28 kJ, (c) 36.9 kJ)

= 10.5 kJ

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First Law of Thermodynamics

By: S K Mondal

Chapter 4
(a)

W23 = pdV

dV
V
2

= p2 V2

pV = C

p
1.4 bar

V
= p2 V2 ln 3
V2
V
= p2 V2 ln 1
V2

u3

1
u1

2 u2
W12= 10.5kJ
0.028m3
V

0.028
= 1.4 100 0.103 ln

0.103
as

W 12 = p ( V2 V1 )

10.5 = 1.4 100 ( V2 0.028 )

= 18.783kJ

V2 = 0.103 m3

W31 = 0 as constant volume

Net work output = 8.283 kJ

( c ) Q12

ans.(b)

= U 2 U1 + W12
= 26.4 + 10.5kJ = 36.9kJ

(d) Q23 = U3 U 2 + W23

= 0 18.783kJ = 18.783 kJ
Q31 = U 2 U3 + 0 = 26.4kJ

Q = Q

12

+ Q23 + Q31 = 36.9kJ 18.783 26.4

= 8.283kJ

W = Q

Pr oved.

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