PROBLEM SET # 1

Due on Tuesday, October 14

th
, 2014

First, test your understanding by defining for yourself the terms (a) closed vs. open systems, (b) intensive
and extensive properties, (c) a thermodynamic state, (b) a thermodynamic process, (iii) thermodynamic
equilibrium, (iv) a phase, (v) a pure substance. (This part is a self-test; please do not turn in.)

Math Review
Problem 1: Find the derivatives of the following functions with respect to (w.r.t.) the indicated variable:
a.
3
( ) (4/ 3 2 3 ) x f x x + + = w.r.t. x
b.
2 3 2
(2/ 3 ( ) 2 (2 ) ) h T T T T T = + w.r.t. T
c.
2
ln ( , ) ( )
n
U P T PT T P = + w.r.t T
d. Same as c w.r.t. P
e. ( , ) ( ) ( , ) / ( ) ( , ) U P T f T P g T h T j V P = + w.r.t. T

Problem 2: Consider a curve defined by the relation:

where C and n are positive constants and

. Compute the area underneath the curve for the following cases
a. n1
b. n=1

Problem 3: Evaluate the following integrals
a.
2 4
3
10
2
x x dx
| |
+
|
\ .
}
b.
2
( )sin( ) x y z dz
}

c.
2
2
z
xy
e dz
z
| |
+
|
\ .
}
d.
x
xe dx
}

e.
2
ln( ) x x dx
}
f.
3
( )
xy
e cos x dx
}


Problem 4: Evaluate the following definite integrals
a.
2
2
1
xy
dz
z
}
b.
2 2
1
0
( 3 )
y
e y dy
}

c. ( )
B
A
sin x dx
}
d.
3
1
ln( ) x x dx
}

e.
3 2
5
0
x
x e dx
}


Units
Problem 5:
a. Review the units of pressure, temperature, mass, density, force, gravitational acceleration,
potential energy.
b. Perform the following unit conversions: (a) convert 30 psi to Pa, (b) convert 98
o
F to
o
C and K, (c)
convert 100 N to lbf. Show your work, not just the final answer.

Specific volume and pressure
Problem 6: (1.28 in textbook)
A closed system consisting of 4 lb of a gas undergoes a process during which the relation between pressure

and volume is constant
n
pV = . The process begins with
2
1
15 lbf/in p = ,
3
1
1.25 ft / lb v = and ends with
2
2
53lbf/in p = ,
3
1
0.5 ft / lb v = . Determine (a) the volume, in ft
3
, occupied by the gas at states 1 and 2 and
(b) the value of n . (c) Sketch Process 1-2 on pressure-volume coordinates.

Problem 7: (1.25)
As shown in Figure 1, a gas is contained in a piston-cylinder assembly. The piston mass and cross-sectional
area are denoted as m and A, respectively. The only force acting on the top of the piston is due to
atmospheric pressure
atm
p . Assuming the piston moves smoothly in the cylinder and the local acceleration of
gravity g is constant, show that the pressure of the gas acting on the bottom of the piston remains constant
as gas volume varies. What would cause the gas volume to vary?

Problem 8: (1.26)
As shown in Figure 2, a vertical piston-cylinder assembly containing a gas is placed on a hot plate. The
piston initially rests on the stops. With the onset of heating, the gas pressure increases. At what pressure, in
bar, does the piston start rising? The piston moves smoothly in the cylinder and
2
9.81m /s g = .

Problem 9: (1.49)
Figure 3 shows a closed tank holding air and oil to which is connected a U-tube mercury manometer and a
pressure gage. Determine the reading of the pressure gage, in lbf/in
2
(gage). The densities of the oil and
mercury are 55 lb/ft
3
and 845 lb/ft
3
. Let
2
32.2 ft/s g = .



This problem sets are designed to help you review and synthesize what has been presented during the
lectures and discussion sessions. Similar problems will not be asked twice. The objective is to allow you to
think critically, apply your knowledge to practical problems, and to develop problem solving skills.

Your answers should be clear, concise, and complete. Remember that a schematic is worth a
thousand words.

Quote of the week: No one wants to learn by mistakes, but we cannot learn enough from successes to
go beyond the state of the art.--Henry Petroski
Figure 3
Figure 2 Figure 1
Figure 1