State Variables, Ideal Gas Law, and Simple Gas Cycles (3/10/2015)

Answers to State Variables and Ideal Gas Law Activity

Graphs for four different processes, and why we're able to determine between an isothermal and adiabatic graph.

Explanation of the cycle which the rubber band/heat gun powered mass lifting engine goes through.

Calculations done for the theoretical analysis of a heat engine cycle.

Prof Mason conducting the "Incredible Mass Lifter Heat Engine" experiment.  He used a flask connected to a syringe by tubing to create the lifting system, which raised and lowered an eraser.  Point A consisted of the flask submerged in cold water without any mass on the syringe. Point B was when the eraser was placed on top of the syringe. Point C was the result the flask being heated, which lifted the eraser upwards. Point D was the result of the eraser being taken off the syringe while the flask was still warm.

Work done to calculate the mass of the nitrogen in the air, the change in internal energy, the work done by the gas, and the heat produced. The correct value for moles of nitrogen and mass is highlighted in yellow.