PHYSICS · Multi-part · A Level · Physics · Further mechanics and thermal physics · Further mechanics and thermal physics
Problem
Two identical rigid, well-insulated containers, each of volume 1.00 L, are connected by a short, thermally conducting link that can be opened or closed. The containers each hold the same ideal monatomic gas but at different initial conditions:
• Container X: nX=0.80mol at 600 K
• Container Y: nY=1.20mol at 300 K
When the link is opened the gases remain in their separate volumes (no mixing occurs), but energy can flow between the containers until thermal equilibrium is established. No energy is exchanged with the surroundings.
(a) Derive an expression for the final equilibrium temperature Tf in terms of nX, nY, and the initial temperatures.
(b) Determine the numerical value of Tf for the given data.
(c) Calculate the change in internal energy for each container during the equilibration process.
(d) Indicate the direction of net energy flow between the containers and explain how your results are consistent with the conservation of energy.