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 12 L at a constant pressure of exactly 10 atm while 6228 J of heat flows in.In the compression step,the volume of the gas decreases by exactly 12 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 using W = PΔV. Here, P = 15 atm and ΔV = -12 L. Converting to joules: W = 15 atm * (-12 L) * 101.3 J/L atm = -18,234 J. Since the internal energy change over the full cycle is zero, the heat flow Q = -W = 18,234 J. Thus, the heat flow into the steam is -12,310 J.

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