DONGUIZ, Shiela Marie F.

THERMODYNAMICS
PROBLEMS

Thermodynamics and Energy

1-1C What is the difference between the classical and the statistical approach to the
thermodynamics?
- Classical is the macroscopic approach to the study of thermodynamics that does not
require a knowledge of the behavior of individual particles. While statistical is a more
elaborate approach that is based on the average behavior of large groups of individual
particles.

1-2C Why does a bicyclist pick up speed on downhill road even when he is not pedaling? Does
this violate the conservation of energy principle?
- A bicyclist picks up speed when he goes downhill because his potential energy is
decreasing. This lost in potential energy is converted to an equal gain in kinetic energy,
so his speed increases.
- This does not violate the principle of conservation of energy.

1-3C An office worker claims that a cup of cold coffee on his table warmed up to 80ᵒC by picking
up energy from the surrounding air, which is at 25ᵒC. Is there any truth to this claim? Does this
process violate any thermodynamic laws?
- None.
- No, this does not violate anything. Because the situation seems impossible to happen.

1-4C A person claims that even drinking water cause him to gain weight. Is there truth to this
claim?
- None.

Mass, Force, and Acceleration

1-5C What is the difference between pound-mass and pound force?

- lbm (pound-mass) is a unit of mass while lbf (pound-force)is a unit of force in the
imperial system of units. Pound-force is the force needed to accelerate 1 slug mass
(32.17405lbm) at the rate of 1ft/s.

1-6C What is the net force acting on a car cruising at a constant velocity of 70km/h (a) on a level
road and (b) on an uphill road?

Given: V=70km/h
Solution:
Since velocity is constant, acceleration is equal to Zero.
a. The net force on a level road
F = ma = 0
b. On an uphill road
F = ma = 0

1-7 A 3-kg plastic tank that has a volume of 0.2 m3 is filled with liquid water. Assuming the
density of water is 1000 kg/m3, determine the weight of the combined system.

Given: m = 3-kg
V = 0.2 m3
ρ = 1000 kg/m3

Solution:
*mass of the water *weight of the combined system
m1 = ρV W = mg
= (1000 kg/m3) (0.2m3) = (203 kg) (9.81m/s2)
= 200 kg = 1991.43 N
*total mass
mtotal = m1 + 3 kg
= 200 kg + 3 kg
= 203 kg

1-8 Determine the mass and the weight of the air contained in a room whose dimensions are
6 m x 6 m x 8 m. Assume the density of the air is 1.16 kg/m3.

Given: dimensions = 6 m x 6 m x 8 m
ρair = 1.16 kg/m3

Solution:
Volume
V=6mx6mx8m *Weight
V = 288 m3 W = mg (where g = 9.81 m/s2)
*Mass = (334.08 kg) (9.81 m/s2)
m = ρairV = 3277.3248 N
= (1.16 kg/m3) (288 m3)
= 334.08 kg

1-9 At 45ᵒ latitude, the gravitational acceleration as a function of elevation z above sea level is
given by g = a – bz, where a = 9.807 m/s2 and b = 3.32 x 10-6 s-2. Determine the height above sea
level where the weight of an object will decrease by 1%.
Given: latitude = 45°
gravitational acceleration as a function = (g = a – bz)
where a = 9.807 m/s2
z=h b = 3.32 x 10-6s-2
45°
Solution:
g = a – bz let k = 1%
a = 9.807 m/s2
b = 3.32 x 10-6s-2

ak = z/b
z = ab = [9.807 m/s2 (1%)] (3.32 x 10-6s-2)
z = [9.807 m/s2(1%)] / (3.32 x 10-6s2)
z = 29,539.157 m

1-10E A 150-lbm astronaut took his bathroom scale (a spring scale) and a beam scale (compares
masses) to the moon where the local gravity is g = 5.48 ft/s2. Determine how much he will
weigh (a) on the spring scale and (b) on the beam scale.

Given: poundal mass = 150 lbm

gmoon = 5.48 ft/s2

Solution:
m = 150 lbm
a = 5.48 ft/s2
gF = ma
where: gc = 32.174 ft/lbf
Fwt = 25.55 lbf
a) Fwt = 25.5 lbf
b) mbeam = 150 lbm

1-11 The acceleration of the high-speed aircraft is sometimes expressed in g’s (in multiplies of
the standard acceleration of gravity). Determine the net upward force, in N, that a 90-kg man
would experience in an aircraft whose acceleration is 6 g’s.

Given: mman = 90 kg

Solution:
*In free body diagram: So,
F = ma F = ma
= m x (6g – 1g) = m x 6g
= 70 kg x 5 x 9.81m/s2 = 70 kg x 6 x 9.81m/s2
F = 4414.5 N F = 5297.4 N
 - the acceleration is given. However, the upward force is
6mg = Fup – mg
Fup =7 x mg
- if we neglect the gravitational force experienced every day by this man, then we get
6mg = Fup

1-12 A 5-kg rock is thrown upward with a force of 150 N at allocation where the local
gravitational acceleration is 9.79 m/s2. Determine the acceleration of the rock, in m/s2.

Given: mrock = 5 kg rock

Fthrow = 150 N
ag = 9.79 m/s2
force = 150 N
Solution:
Frock = mrockag *a = Fnet / mrock
= (5 kg) (9.79 m/s2) = (101.05 N) / (5 kg)
= 48.95 N a= 20.21 m/s2
Fnet = Fthrow – Frock
= 150 N – 48.95 N
= 101.05 N

1-13 The value of the gravitational acceleration g decreases with elevation from 9.807 m/s2 at
the sea level to 9.4175 m/s2 at an altitude of 13,000 m, where large passenger plane cruise.
Determine the percent reduction in the weight of an airplane cruising at 13,000 m relative to its
weight at sea level.

Pressure

1-34C What is the difference between gage pressure and absolute pressure?
- The absolute pressure is the pressure that is measured relative to absolute vacuum with
absolute zero pressure. While the gage pressure is the pressure that indicate the
difference between the absolute pressure and the local atmospheric pressure.

1-35C Explain why some people experience nose bleeding and some others experience
shortness of breath at high elevations.
- The atmospheric pressure decreases with increasing altitude. This causes the imbalance
of the blood pressure and due to the decreasing atmospheric pressure, vessels lining the
nasal passage which leads to bleeding. Shortness of breath may due to low oxygen
content in the upper layer of the atmosphere.
1-36 A vacuum gage connected to a tank needs 30 kPa at a location where the barometric
reading is 755 mmHg. Determine the absolute pressure in the tank. Take ρHg = 13,590 kg/m3

Given: Pvac = 30 kPa

h = 755 mmHg
ρHg = 13,590 kg/m3

Solution:
Pabs = Patm - Pvac
= ρHggh + 30 kPa
= [(13,590 kg/m3) (9.81m/s2) (755mm x 1 m/1000 mm)] - 30,000 Pa
= 70,655.0145 Pa
= 70.66 kPa

1-37E A pressure gage connected to a tank reads 50 psi at a location where the barometric
reading is 29.1 mmHg. Determine the absolute pressure in the tank. Take ρHg = 848.4 lbm/ft3.

Given: Pgage = 50 psi

Patm = 29.1 mmHg
ρHg = 848.4 lbm/ft3

Solution:
Pgage = 50 psi Pgage = Pabs - Patm
Patm = 755 inHg *Pabs = 50 psi - 14.29 psi
Patm = 14.29 psi (using conversion of units) Pabs = 64.29 psia

1-38 A pressure gage is connected to a tank reads 500 kPa at a location where atmopheric
pressure is 94 kPa. Determine the absolute pressure in the tank.

Given: Pgage = 500 kPa

Patm = 94 kPa

Solution:
Pabs = Patm + Pgage
=94 kPa + 500 kPa
= 594 kPa

1-39 The barometer of a mountain hiker reads 930 mbars at the beginning of a hiking trip and
780 mbars at the end. Neglecting the effect of altitude on local gravitational acceleration,
determine the vertical distance climbed. Assume an average air density of 1.20 kg/m 3 and take
g = 9.7 m/s2.

Given: barometer reading = 930 mbars (beginning) and 780 mbars (end)
ρair = 1.20 kg/m3 g = 9.7 m/s2
Solution:
1 bar = 100,000 Pa
*ΔP = ρgh
h = ΔP/ρg
= [(930 mbar – 780 mbar) (100,000 Pa)] / [(1.20 kg/m3) (9.7 m/s2) (1,000 mbar)]
h = 1288.6598 m

1-40 The basic barometer can be used to measure the height of a building. If the barometric
reading at the top and at the bottom of a building are 730 and 755 mmHg, respectively,
determine the height of the building. Assume the average air density of 1.18 kg/m3.

Given: barometric reading = 730 mmHg (top) and 755 mmHg (bottom)
ρair = 1.18 kg/m3

Solution:
*(Calculator conversion)
730 mmHg = 97325.352 Pa
755 mmHg = 100658.412 Pa

*ΔP = ρgh
h = ΔP/ρg
= (100658.412 Pa – 97325.352 Pa) / [(1.18 kg/m3) (9.81 m/s2)
h = 287.9334 m

1-41 Determine the pressure exerted on the driver at 30 m below the free surface of the sea.
Assume a barometric pressure of 101 kPa and a specific gravity of 1.03 for seawater.

Given: Patm = 101 kPa

h = 30 m
specific gravity = 1.03

Solution:
P = Patm + P1
P1 = ρgh
P= 101,000 Pa + [(1.03) (1000kg/m3) (9.81m/s2) (30m)]
P = 404129 Pa
P = 404.129 kPa

1-42E Determine the pressure exerted on the surface of a submarine cruising 300 ft below the
free surface of the sea. Assume that the barometric pressure is 14.7 psia and the specific gravity
of sea water is 1.03.

Given: h = 300 ft specific gravity = 1.03 Patm (barometric pressure) = 14.7 psia
Solution:
P = P1 + Patm
P = [(1.03) (62.4759 lbm/ft3) (32.174 ft/s2) (300ft)] + 14.7 psia
P = 621120.7784 lbm/ft2 + 14.7 psia
P1 = (621120.7784 lbm/ft2) (1 ft / 0.3048 m)2 (1 m / 100 cm)2 (0.3937 cm / 1 inch)2
= 103.63 psia
*P = 103.63 psia + 14.7 psia
= 118.33 psia

1-43 A gas is contained in a vertical, frictionless piston-cylinder device. The piston has a mass of
4 kg and cross-sectional area of 35 cm2. A compressed spring above the piston exerts a force of
60 N on the piston. If the atmospheric pressure is 95 kPa, determine the pressure inside the
cylinder.

Given: m = 4 kg
cross-sectional area = 35 cm2
Patm = 95 kPa
Fspring = 60 N

Solution:
*PA = Patm + W + Fspring
P = Patm + (mg + Fspring)/A
P = 95 kPa + {[(4 kg x 9.81m/s2) + 60 N] / 0.0035m2}
P = 95 kPa + 28.3543 kPa
= 123.3543 kPa

1-44 Both a gage and a manometer are attached to a gas tank to measure its pressure. If the
reading on the pressure gage is 80 kPa, determine the distance between the two fluid levels of
the manometer if the fluid is (a) mercury (ρ = 13,600 kg/m3) or (b) water (ρ = 1000 kg/m3).

Given: Pgage = 80 kPa ρHg = 13,600kg/m3 ρwater = 1000 kg/m3

Solution:
Derivation of formula:
Pgage = Pabs - Patm
Pabs = Patm + ρgh
Pgage = ρgh

*Mercury *Water
h = Pgage / ρg h = Pgage / ρg
=80 kPa / (13,600 kg/m3) (9.81 m/s2) = (80 kPa) / (1000 kg/m3) (9.81 m/s2)
= 0.6 m = 8.155 m
1-45 A manometer containing oil (density= 850 kg/m3) is attached to tank filled with air. If the
oil-level difference between the two columns is 45 cm and the atmospheric pressure is 98 kPa,
determine the absolute pressure of the air in the tank.

Given: ρoil = 850 kg/m3 oil-level difference = 45 cm Patm = 98 kPa

Solution:
*Pgage = ρgh
*Pabs = Pgage + Patm
= [(850 kg/m3) (9.81 m/s2) (0.45 m)] + 98 kPa
=3752.33 Pa + 98 kPa
=101.75 kPa

1-46 A mercury manometer (ρ =13,600kg/m3) is connected to an air duct to measure the

pressure inside. The difference in the manometer level is 15 mm, and the atmospheric pressure
100 kPa.
a) Determine if the pressure in the duct above or below the atmospheric pressure.
- It is above atmospheric pressure. As air duct caused decrease in mercury level at its
side, it is more than Patm.
-
b) Determine the absolute pressure in the duct.

Given: ρ =13,600kg/m3 difference in the manometer = 15 mm Patm = 100 kPa

Solution:
Pair = ρgh + Patm
Pair = (13,600kg/m3) (9.81m/s2) (0.015m) + 100kPa
Pair = 102 kPa

Temperature

1-47C What is the zeroth law of thermodynamics?

- This is a law stating that two bodies are in thermal equilibrium if both have the same
temperature reading even if they are not in contact.

1-48C What are the ordinary and absolute temperatures in SI and in English System?
*Absolute:
- Kelvin in SI and Rankine in English System
 *Ordinary:
- Celcius in SI and Fahrenheit in English System

1-49C Consider an alcohol and a mercury thermometer that read exactly 0ᵒC at the ice point
and 100ᵒC at the steam point. The distance between the two points is divided into 100 equal
parts in both thermometers. Do you think these thermometers will give exactly the same
reading at a temperature of, 60ᵒC? Explain.
- Probably, but not necessarily. The operation of this two thermometers is based on the
thermal expansion of a fluid. If the thermal expansion is coefficient of both fluids vary
linearly with temperature, then both fluids will expand at the same rate with
temperature, and both thermometers will always give an identical reading. Otherwise,
the two readings may deviate.

1-50C The deep body temperature of a healthy person is 37ᵒC. What is it in Kelvin?

Given: body temperature = 37ᵒC

Solution:
T (K) = T (ᵒC) + 273.15 = 37ᵒC + 273.15 = 310.15 K

Review Problems

1-77 Balloons are often filled with helium gas because it weighs only about one-seventh of what
air weighs under identical conditions. The buoyancy force which can be expressed as
Fb = ρ air gVballoon, will push the balloon upward. If the balloon has a diameter of 10 m and carries
two people, 70 kg each, determine the acceleration of the balloon when it is first released.
Assume the density of air is ρ = 1.16kg/m3, and neglect the weight of the ropes and the cage.

Given: diameter = 10 m
m = 70 kg
ρ = 1.16kg/m3

Solution:
*Fb = ρ air gVballoon
*W = mg
Vballoon = 4/3Лr3 = 4/3Л53 = 523.59m3
m = mpeople + mballoon
=140kg + 1/7(1.16kg/m3) (523.59 m3)
=226.77 kg
*Fb –W = ma
a = [(1.16kg/m3) (9.81m/s2) (523.59m3) - (226.77kg) (9.81m/s2)] / 226.77kg
a = 16.46 m/s2
1-78 Determine the maximum amount of load, in kg, the balloon described in problem can
carry.
Solution:
(ρair - ρHe)V = mass
[1.16kg/m 3- 1/7 (1.16kg/m3)] x [4/3Л(5m)3] = 520.607 kg

1-79 The basic barometer can be used as an altitude-measuring device in airplanes. The ground
control reports a barometer reading of 753 mmHg while the pilot's reading is 690 mmHg.
Estimate the altitude of the plane from ground level if the average air density is 1.20 kg/m 3 and
g=9.8m/s2.

Given: barometer reading = 753 mmHg (ground control report) and 690 mmHg (pilot’s reading)
Ρair = 1.20 kg/m3

Solution:
*Pplane = ρmercury g hplane
= (13,600kg/m3) (9.81m/s2) (0.690m)
=91.96kPa
*Pground = ρmercury g hground
= (13,600kg/m3) (9.81m/s2) (0.753m)
=100.36kPa
(Wair + Pplane) A =(Pground)A
(ρair ghair) A = (Pground – Pair) A
h = (Pground – Pplane)/ρair
h = (100.36kPa – 91.96 kPa)/ (1.20kg/m3) (9.8 m/s2)
h = 714.3m

1-80 The lower half of a 10-m-high cylindrical container is filled with water (ρ =1000kg/m3) and
the upper half with oil that has a specific gravity of 0.85. Determine the pressure difference
between the top and the bottom of the cylinder.

Given: h = 10 m ρwater =1000kg/m3 specific gravity = 0.85

Solution:
P = Poil + Pwater
= [(0.85) (1000kg/m3) (9.81m/s2) (5m)] + [(1000kg/m3) (9.81m/s2) (5m)]
= 90.74 kPa

1-81 A vertical, frictionless piston-cylinder device contains a gas at 500 kPa. The atmospheric
pressure outside is 100 kPa, and the piston area is 30 cm2. Determine the mass of the piston.
Assume standard gravitational acceleration.

Given: P = 500 kPa Patm = 100 kPa A = 30 cm2

Solution:
W = (P - Patm) A
mg = (P - Patm) A
m = [(P - Patm) A] / g
m = [(500 kPa - 100 kPa) (0.003 m2)] / (9.81m/s2)
= 122.32 kg

1-82 A pressure cooker cooks a lot faster than an ordinary pan by maintaining the pressure and
temperature inside. The lid of a pressure cooker is well sealed, and steam can escape only
through an opening in the middle of the lid. A separate piece of certain mass, the petcock, sits
on top of this opening and prevents steam from escaping until the pressure force overcomes
the weight of the petcock. The periodic escape of the steam in this manner prevents any
potentially dangerous pressure buildup and keeps the pressure inside at a constant value.
Determine the mass of the petcock of a pressure cooker whose operation pressure is
100 kPa gage and has an opening cross-sectional area of 4 mm2. Assume an atmospheric
pressure of 101 kPa, and draw the free body diagram of the petcock.

Given: Patm=101 kPa

Operation pressure = 100 kPa
Cross-sectional area = 4 mm2

Solution:
P = F/ A
where F=mg so, Pgage =100 kPa
m = Pgage A /g
m = [(100,000 Pa) (0.000004m2)] / 9.81m/s2
m = 40.77 g

1-83 A glass tube is attached to a water pipe. If the water pressure at the bottom of the tube is
115 kPa and the local atmospheric pressure is 92 kPa, determine how high the water will rise in
the tube, in m. Assume g = 9.8 m/s2 at that location and take the density of water to be
1000kg/m3.

Given: P1 = 115 kPa P2 = 92 kPa g = 9.8 m/s2 ρwater = 1000 kg/m3

Solution:
P = ρgh
*P = P1 - P2 = 115 kPa – 92 kPa = 23 kPa
h = P / ρg
= 23,000 Pa / (1000 kg/m3 x 9.8 m/s2)
= 2.3469 m

1-84 The average atmospheric pressure on earth is approximated as a function of altitude by

the relation
 Patm = 101.325(1 - 0.02256z)5.256
where Patm is the atmospheric pressure in kPa and z is the altitude in km (1 km = 1000 m) with z
= 0 at sea level. Determine the approximate atmospheric pressures in Atlanta (z = 306 m),
Denver (z = 1610 m), Mexico City (z = 2309 m), and the top of Mt. Everest (z = 8848 m).
Solution:
Approximate pressure in Atlanta
Patm = 101.325 (1 - 0.02256(0.306))5.256
= 90.70 kPa
Approximate pressure in Denver
Patm = 101.325(1 - 0.02256(1.610))5.256
= 83.42 kPa
Approximate pressure inMe xico City
Patm = 101.325 (1 - 0.02256(2.309))5.256
= 76.49 kPa
Approximate pressure in Mt. Everest
Patm = 101.325(1 - 0.02256(8.848))5.256
= 31.44 kPa

1-85 The weight of bodies may change somewhat from one location to another as a result of
the variation of the gravitational acceleration g with elevation. Accounting from this variation
using the relation in Problem 1-9, determine the weight of an 80-kg person at sea level (z = 0),
in Denver (z = 1610 m), and on the top of Mt. Everest (z = 8848 m).