PROBLEMS ON FIRST LAW – CLOSED SYSTEM

First law for closed system undergoing a cycle

 Q   W
Q = W
(Algebraic sum of heat transfer = Algebraic sum of work transfer)
Application of 1st law of thermodynamics to non-flow or closed system:
a) Constant volume process (V = constant)
Applying 1st law of thermodynamics to the process,
Q1-2 = U2 – U1 + W1-2
= U2 – U1 + 0
i.e., Q1-2 = m CV (T2 – T1)
For mass ‘m’ of a substance, Q = m CV (T2 – T1)

b) Constant pressure (p = Constant)

Applying 1st law of thermodynamics to the process,
Q1-2 = U2 – U1 + W1-2
The work done, W1-2 =  12 p dV = p (V2 – V1)
i.e., Q1-2 = U2 – U1+ p (V2 – V1) = (U2 + pV2) – (U1 + pV1)
= H2 – H1
i.e., Q =m Cp (T2 – T1)
For mass ‘m’ of a substance, Q = m Cp (T2 – T1)

c) Constant temperature process (Isothermal process, T = constant)

Applying 1st law of thermodynamics to the process,
Q1-2 = U2 – U1 + W1-2
= CV (T2 – T2) + W1-2
i.e., Q1-2 = W1-2 T1  T2
Q1-2 = p1V1 lnV2/V1
= p1 V1 ln p1/p2

d) Reversible adiabatic process (pV) = constant

Applying 1st law of thermodynamics to the process,
Q1-2 = U2 – U1 + W1-2
O = u2 – U1 + W1-2 --- (1)
p V  p 2V2
Or (U1 – U2) = 1 1
 1
RT1  T2 
(U1 – U2) =
 1

The above equation is true for an adiabatic process whether the process is reversible or not.
In an adiabatic experiment, the work done W1-2 by the fluid is at the expense of a reduction

PROBLEMS ON FIRST LAW – CLOSED SYSTEM DR ANJANEYAG, RVCE

 PROBLEMS ON FIRST LAW – CLOSED SYSTEM

in the internal energy of the fluid. Similarly in an adiabatic composition process, all the
work done on the fluid goes to increase the internal energy of the fluid.

To derive pV = C: For a reversible adiabatic process

We have δq = du + δu
For a reversible process, δw = p dV
 δq = du+ p dV
= 0  For an adiabatic process δq = 0
RT
Also for a perfect gas, pV = RT or p =
V
dV
dU + RT
V
Also, u = CV T or du = CV dT
dV
CV dT + RT
V
dT dV
or CV R 0
T V
Int., CV ln T + R ln V = constant
Sub. T = pV/R
Pv
Cv ln  R ln v = constant
R
pV R
Or ln  ln V = constant
R CV
R R
Also, CV = or   1
  1 CV
pV
ln  (  1) ln V = constant
R
pV
ln  ln V  1 = constant
R
pVxV  1
or ln = constant
R
pV r
i.e., ln = constant
R
pV r
or = econstant = constant
R
i.e., pV = constant

we have pV = RT
RT
or p =
V
sub. This value of p in pV = C
PROBLEMS ON FIRST LAW – CLOSED SYSTEM DR ANJANEYAG, RVCE
 PROBLEMS ON FIRST LAW – CLOSED SYSTEM

RT 
V =C or TV-1 = constant --- (a)
V

RT
Also, V = sub. This in equation pressure = C
P

 RT 
p   = constant
 p 
T2 T
 = constant or   1  = constant --- (b)
p  1  
p  
For a reversible adiabatic process for a perfect gas between states 1 & 2, we can write

r
p V 
p1V1 = p2V2 or 2   1  --- (c)
p1  V2 
 1
T V 
T1V1-1 = T2V2 -1 or 2   1  --- (d)
T1  V2 
r 1
T1 T2 T p  r

r 1
 r 1
or 2   2  --- (e)
p1 r
p2 r T1  p1 

The work done in an adiabatic process is W = u1 – u2

The gain in I.E. of a perfect gas, is u2 – u1 = CV (T2 – T1)
W = CV (T1 – T2)
R
But CV =
 1
R(T1  T2 )
W =
 1
p V  p 2V2
Using pV = RT, W= 1 1
 1

e) Poly tropic process (pVn = constant)

Applying 1st law of thermodynamics, Q1-2 = u2 – u1 + W1-2
RT1  T2 
= (u2 – u1) +
n 1
RT1  T2 
i.e., Q = - CV (T1 – T2)
n 1
R  n
Also CV = sub. & simplifying Q =  W
 1  n 1 
In a poly tropic process, the index n depends on the heat and work quantities during the
process.
PROBLEMS ON FIRST LAW – CLOSED SYSTEM DR ANJANEYAG, RVCE
 PROBLEMS ON FIRST LAW – CLOSED SYSTEM

Problems
1. A cylinder contains 0.45 m3 of a ideal gas at 1 bar & 80 0C. The gas is compressed to a
volume of 0.13 m3, the final pressure being 5 bar. Determine i) mass of the gas, ii) value
of index ‘n’ for composition, iii) increase in internal energy of the gas and iv) heat received
or rejected by the gas during compression.
(Take  = 1.4, R = 294.2 J/kg-K).
V1 = 0.45 m3 p1 = 1 x 105 Pa V2 = 0.13 m3 T1 = 353 K
p2 = 5 x 105 Pa

1x10 5 x0.45
i) We have p1V1 = mRT1 m = = 0.433 kg
294.2 x353
n
V  p
ii) p1V1n = p2V2n i.e.,  1   2 (Take ln both sides and solve for n)
 V2  p1
n
 0.45  5
    n = 1.296
 0.13  1
n 1
V 
0.296
T  0.45 
iii) 2   1    T2 = 509.7 K
T1  V2   0.13 
 = (Cp / Cv)
Use this relation to get T2 [TVn-1 = Constant]
Cp = Cv x 
Increase in int. energy, U = m Cv (T2 – T1) Cp –Cv = R
R
= 0.433 x (T2 – T1) Cv ( -1) = R
 1
= 0.433 x
294.2
509.7  353 Cv = R / ( -1)
1.4  1
= 49.9 kJ

iv) We have Q = U + W
p1V1  p2V2 mRT1  T2  0.433294.27 353  509.7 
W= = =
n 1 n 1 0.296
= _____ J
= - 67.44 kJ
Q = 49.9 – 67.44 = - 17.54 kJ
Heat rejected by the system = - 17.54 kJ

1. The properties of a certain fluid are related as follows

U = 196 + 0.718 t
pv = 0.287 (t + 273) where u is the sp. Internal energy (kJ/kg), t is in 0C,
p is pressure (kN/m2) and v is sp. Volume (m3/kg).
For this fluid, find Cv & Cp

PROBLEMS ON FIRST LAW – CLOSED SYSTEM DR ANJANEYAG, RVCE

 PROBLEMS ON FIRST LAW – CLOSED SYSTEM

 du  du
Solution: By definition sp. Heat at constant volume Cv =   
 dt  v dt
d
CV = (196 + 0.718 t)
dt
= 0.718 kJ/kg 0C
 dh 
Also, Cp =    u  pv 
d
 dt  p dt

  pv 
du d
=
dt dt
=
d
196  0.718t   d 0.287t  0.287 x273
dt dt
 0.718t  0.287t 
d
dt
= 1.005 kJ/kg 0C

3. A mass of 0.2 kg of a pure substance at a pressure of 1 bar and a temperature of 313 k

occupies a volume of 0.15 m3. Given that the internal energy of the substance is 31.5 kJ,
evaluate the specific enthalpy of the substance.

Solution: m = 0.2 kg P = 1 x 105 N/m2 T = 313 k V = 0.15 m3 U= 31.5 kJ

We have, Total enthalpy H = U + Pv
= 31.5 x 103 + 1 x 105 x 0.15
= 46.5 kJ
Specific enthalpy h = H/m = 46.5/0.2 = 232.5 kJ/kg

4. A gas enters a system at an initial pressure of 0.45 MPa and flow rate of 0.25 m3/s and
leaves at a pressure of 0.9 MPa and 0.09 m3/s. During its passage through the system the
increase in internal energy is 20 kJ/s. Find the change of enthalpy of the medium.

Solution: p1 = 0.45 x 106 Pa V1 = 0.25 m3/s

6
p2 = 0.9 x 10 Pa V2 = 0.09 m3/s Volume flowrates
(u2 – u1) = 20 x 10 J/s
3

We have from 1st law for a constant pressure quasi static process

Q1-2 = (U2 + p2V2) – (U1 + p1V1)

= (H2 – H1)
= Change in enthalpy
= (U2 – U1) + p2V2 – p1V1
= 20 x 103 + 0.9 x 106 x 0.09 – 0.45 x 106 x 0.25
(H2 – H1) = - 11.5 kJ/s
There is a decrease in enthalpy during the process

PROBLEMS ON FIRST LAW – CLOSED SYSTEM DR ANJANEYAG, RVCE

 PROBLEMS ON FIRST LAW – CLOSED SYSTEM

5. A closed system of constant volume experiences a temperature rise of 200C when a

certain process occurs. The heat transferred in the process is 18 kJ. The specific heat at
constant volume for the pure substance comprising the system is 1.2 kJ/kg0C, and the
system contains 2 kg of this substance. Determine the change in the internal energy and the
work done.
Solution: T = 200C Q = + 18 kJ Cv = 1.2 kJ/kg0C m = 2kg U= ?
W=?
Change in int. energy, U = m Cv T
= 2 (1.2) (20) = 48 kJ
st
From 1 law of thermodynamics Q = U + W
+ 18 = 48 + W
W = - 30 kJ

6. The stationary mass of gas is compressed without friction from an initial state of 2 m3
and 2 bar to a final state of 1 m3 and the pressure remaining the same. There is a transfer
of 360 kJ, of heat from the gas during the process. How much does the internal energy of
the gas change?
Solution: p1 = p2 = 2 bar V1 = 2m3 V2 = 1m3 Q = -360 kJ U = ?
W = pdV = 2 x 10 (1-2) = - 2 x 10 J
5 5

From 1st law of thermodynamics, Q = U + W

- 360000 = U – 2 x 105
U = - 160 kJ

7. The internal energy of a certain substance is given by the following equation

u = 3.56 pv + 84 where u is given in kJ/kg, p is in KPa and v in m3/kg. A system composed
of 3 kg of this substance expands from an initial pressure of 500 KPa and a volume of 0.22
m3 to a final pressure of 100 KPa in a process pv1.2 = constant. i) If the expansion is quasi-
static, find Q, U, and W for the process. ii) In another process the same system expands
according to the same pressure volume relationship as in part (i) and from the same initial
state to the same final state as in part (i) but the heat transfer in this case is 30 kJ. Find the
work transfer for this process. iii) Explain the difference in work transfer in parts (i) and
(ii).
Solution: internal energy equation is, u = pv + 84, V1 = 0.22 m3 p1 = 500 kPa p2 = 100
kPa, Process is pv1.2 = C
i) u = 3.56 pv + 84
u = u2 – u1 = 3.56 (p2 v2 – p1 v1) per kg
U = U2 – U1 = 3.56 (p2 V2 – p1 V1) for 3 kg
Total Volume (V)= specific volume (v) x mass (m) --- ( V = v x m) (m3 = m3/kg x kg)
We have p1 V11.2 = p2 V21.2
V2 = (p1/p2)1/1.2 V1 = 0.8412 m3
U = 3.56 (100 x 103 x 0.8412 – 500 x 103 x 0.22)
= - 92.134 kJ
p V  p 2V2
For a quasi-static process, W = pdv = 1 1
n 1

PROBLEMS ON FIRST LAW – CLOSED SYSTEM DR ANJANEYAG, RVCE

 PROBLEMS ON FIRST LAW – CLOSED SYSTEM

500 x103 x0.22  100 x103 x0.8412


0.2
= + 129.4 kJ
From 1st law of thermodynamics, Q = U + W
= - 92.134 + 129.4
= 37.27 kJ
ii) Here Q = 30 kJ
Q = U + W
30 = -92.134 + W W = 122.134 kJ
iii) The work in (ii) is not equal to pdv since the process is not quasi-static.

8. A fluid is contained in a cylinder by a spring-loaded, frictionless piston so that the

pressure in the fluid is a linear friction of the volume (p = a + bv). The internal energy of
the fluid is given by the following equation, U = 34 + 3.15 pV where U is in kJ, p is in kPa
and V in m3. If the fluid changes from an initial state of 170 kPa, 0.03 m3 to a final state of
400 kPa, 0.06 m3, with no work other than that on the piston, find the direction and
magnitude of the work and heat transfer.
Solution: Change in internal energy of the fluid during the process, U
U2 – U1 = 3.15 (p2V2 – p1V1)
= 3.15 (400 x 0.06 – 170 x 0.03)
= 59.54 kJ
Now p = a + bV
or 170 = a + b (0.03)
400 = a + b (0.06)
Solve above two equations
230 = b (0.03) b = 7666.67 kN/m2
a = - 60 kN/m2
Work transfer involved during the process W1-2 =  12 pdv =  12 (a + bV) dV

= a (V2 – V1) +
 
b. V22  V12
= - 60 (0.06-0.03) + 7666.67

0.06 2  0.032 
2 2
= 8.55 kJ
From 1st law of thermodynamics Q1-2 = (U2 – U1) + W1-2
= 59.54 + 8.55
= 68.09 kJ
i.e., heat flow into the system during the process.

9. A cylinder fitted with piston contains 0.2 kg of N2 at 100 kPa and 300C. The piston is
moved compressing N2 until the pressure becomes 1 MPa and temperature becomes 1500C.
The work done during the process is 20 kJ. Determine the heat transferred from N 2 to the
surroundings. Take Cv = 0.75 kJ/kg-K for N2.
Solution: m = 0.2 kg p1 = 100 x 103 Pa T1 = 303 K p2 = 1 x106Pa T2 = 423 K
W = - 20 kJ Q = ?
Change in internal energy during the process U= m Cv (T2 – T1)
= 0.2 (0.75 x103) (423 – 303)
= 18 kJ
PROBLEMS ON FIRST LAW – CLOSED SYSTEM DR ANJANEYAG, RVCE
 PROBLEMS ON FIRST LAW – CLOSED SYSTEM

From 1st law of thermodynamics Q = U + W

= 18 – 20 = - 2 kJ

10. A closed system consisting of 1 kg of gaseous CO2 undergoes a reversible process at

constant pressure causing a decrease of 30 kJ in internal energy. Determine the work during
the process. Take Cp = 840 J/kg -0C and Cv = 600 J/kg -0C
Solution: m = 1 kg p = C, U = - 30 kJ W = ?
We have U = m Cv (T2 – T1)
- 30 x 103 = 1 x 600 (T2 – T1) (T2 – T1) = - 500C
i.e., (T1 – T2) = 50 C
0

The heat supplied or rejected = Q = m Cp (T2 – T1)

= 1 (840) (-50)
= - 42 kJ
From 1st law, Q = U + W
-42 = - 30 + W W = - 12 kJ

11. The specific heat at constant pressure of one kg fluid undergoing a non-flow constant
 40  kJ
pressure process is given by Cp = 2.5   . Where T is in 0C. The pressure
 T  20  kg 0
 C
during the process is maintained at 2 bar and volume changes from 1m3 to 1.8m3 and
temperature changes from 500C to 4500C. Determine (i) Heat added (ii) Work done (iii)
Change in internal energy (iv) Change in enthalpy.
40
Solution: Cp = 2.5  p1 = p2 = 2 x 105Pa V1 = 1m3 V2 = 1.8m3 m=1kg
T  20
T1 = 500C T2 = 4500C
i) Heat added / kg, Q =  TT12 mC P .dT
450  40 
=  50 2.5  T  20  dT
= [2.5T + 40 ln (T + 20)]50450
 450  20 
= 2.5 (450 – 50) + 40 ln 
 50  20 
= 1076.17 kJ
ii) Work done / kg, W = Pdv
= p (V2 – V1)
= 2 x 105 (1.8 – 1) = 160 kJ
iii) Change in internal energy, U = Q - W
= 1076.17 – 160 = 916.17 kJ
iv) Change in enthalpy (for non-flow process)
h = Q = 1076.17 kJ

12. Air at 1.02 bar, 220C, initially occupying a cylinder volume of 0.015 m3, is compressed
reversibly and adiabatically by a piston to a pressure of 6.8 bar. Calculate i) the final
temperature, ii) the final volume, iii) The work done on the mass of air in the cylinder.

PROBLEMS ON FIRST LAW – CLOSED SYSTEM DR ANJANEYAG, RVCE

 PROBLEMS ON FIRST LAW – CLOSED SYSTEM

Solution: p1 = 1.02 x 105Pa T1 = 293 k V1 = 0.015 m3 Process is pV = C

p2 = 6.8 x 105Pa T2 = ? V2 = ? W=?
r 1
T p  r
We have 2   2  T2  504.09 K
T1  p1 
r 1 1
T V  T  r 1
Also, 2   1  or V1
 2  V2 = 0.003864 m3
T1  V2  V2  T
 1 
p V  p 2V1
Work done = W = 1 1
 1
1.02 x10 5 x0.015  6.8 x10 5 x0.003864

0.4
= - 2.74 kJ
i.e., work done on the system = 2.74 kJ

13. A closed system undergoes a constant volume process in which 85 kJ of heat is supplied
to it. The system then undergoes a constant pressure process in which 90 kJ of heat is
rejected by the system and 15 kJ of work is done on it. Finally the system is brought back
to its original state by a reversible adiabatic process. Determine i) The magnitude and
direction of work transfer during the adiabatic process. ii) The energy of the system at all
end states if the energy at the initial state is 100 kJ.
Solution:

3 2

p
1

V
Process 1-2: Constant volume process i.e., dv = 0 i.e., W1-2 = 0
Q1-2 = (E2 – E1) + W1-2
85 = (E2 – E1) + 0
(E2 – E1) = 85 kJ
But E1 = 100 kJ E2 -100 = 85 E2 = 185 kJ
Process 2-3: (Constant pressure process)
Q2-3 = (E3 – E2) + W2-3
-90 = (E3 – E2) – 15 (E3 – E2) = -75 kJ
But E2 = 185 kJ E3 = -75 + 185 = 110 kJ
In a cyclic process  Q   W
Q1-2 + Q2-3 + Q3-1 = W1-2 + W2-3 + W3-1
85 – 90 + 0 = 0 -15 + W3-1
W3-1 = 10 kJ

PROBLEMS ON FIRST LAW – CLOSED SYSTEM DR ANJANEYAG, RVCE

 PROBLEMS ON FIRST LAW – CLOSED SYSTEM

14. A system undergoes a constant pressure process which is followed by a constant

volume process. During the constant pressure process, 125 kJ of heat is transferred to the
system and 50 kJ of work is done by the system. During a constant volume process, 125 kJ
of heat is rejected from the system. Find the work interaction if a rev. adiabatic process
restores the system to the initial state.
(Show all processes on PV diagram)
Solution: Process 1-2: Constant pressure process
We have Q12 = 125 W12 = + 50
Q12 = E2 – E1 + W12
125 = (E2 – E1) + 50 (E2 – E1) = 75 kJ
Process 2-3: Constant volume process, i.e., dv = 0 W23 = 0
We have Q23 = -125
Q2-3 = (E3 – E2) + W2-3
-125 = (E3 – E2) + 0 (E3 – E2) = - 125 kJ
Q3-1 = 0
For a cyclic process  Q   W
125 – 125 + 0 = 50 + 0 + W3-1
W3-1 = - 50 kJ
or Process 3-1: (Rev. Adiabatic process) dQ = 0
Q3-1 = E1 – E3 + W3-1
0 = (E1 – E2) + (E2 – E3) + W3-1
= -75 + 125 + W3-1 W3-1 = -50 kJ

15. A system executes a cyclic process which includes four processes:

1-2, 2-3, 3-4 and 4-1. The magnitudes of the energy transfer are shown in the following
table.
Process heat transfer Work transfer Change in internal
Q (kJ) W(N-m) energy ∆U (kJ)
1-2 10 0 10
2-3 -25 15 x 103 -40 kJ
3-4 60 23.5 kJ 36.5 kJ
4-1 -15 -8.5 x 103 -6.5 kJ

Find the magnitude of the unknown quantities (Shaded is ___) in kJ

(Hint: For the process 3-4, use  dU  0 )

16. When the state of a system changes from state 1 to state 3 along the path 1-2-3 as shown
in figure, 80 kJ of heat flows into the system and the system does 30 kJ of work. (a) How
much heat flows into the system along the path 1-4-3 if work done by the system is 10 kJ
(b) when the state of the system is returned from state 3 to state 1 along the curved path,
the work done on the system is 20 kJ. Does the system absorb or liberate? (c) If U1 = 0 and
U4 = 40 kJ, find the heat absorbed in the process 1-4 and 4-3 respectively.

PROBLEMS ON FIRST LAW – CLOSED SYSTEM DR ANJANEYAG, RVCE

 PROBLEMS ON FIRST LAW – CLOSED SYSTEM

Solution:

2 3

p A

1 4

a) Along the path 1-2-3,

From 1st law of T.D., Q1-3 = U3-U1 + W1-3
From the data given, 80 = (U3 – U1) + 30
(U3 – U1) = 50 kJ
Along the path 1-4-3
Q1-3 = U3 – U1 + W1-3
From the data given, Q1-3 = 50 + 10
= 60 kJ  U is property of a system
Work done by the system
b) Along the path 3-A-1,
(U1 – U3) = Q3-1 – W3-1
Or Q3-1 = (U1 – U3) + W3-1
= -50 -20
= -70 kJ
Negative sign indicates that heat is liberated from the system.
c) Along the path 1-4
Q1-4 = U4 – U1 + W1-4
= 40-0+10
= 50 kJ
Along the path 4-3
Q4-3 = U3 – U4 + W4-3
= 50 – 40 + 0
= 10 kJ

PROBLEMS ON FIRST LAW – CLOSED SYSTEM DR ANJANEYAG, RVCE