In a steam engine, steam in a cylinder returns to its original state after an expansion/compression cycle.In the expansion step, the volume of the steam increases by exactly 15 L at a constant pressure of exactly 10 atm while 7325 J of heat flows in.In the compression step, the volume of the gas decreases by exactly 15 L at a constant pressure of exactly 15 atm.Calculate the heat flow into/out of the steam in the second step.(101.3 J =1 L.atm)

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The work done on the steam during compression is calculated as W = PΔV = 15 atm * 15 L * 101.3 J/L·atm = 22,792.5 J. Since the process is compression, the work is done on the system, and the heat flow out of the system is equal to the work done, which is 22,792.5 J. The heat flow into the steam in the second step is negative, indicating heat is leaving the system, so the correct answer is -14,920 J.

In a Steam Engine, Steam in a Cylinder Returns to Its