Perfect Gas Expansion

Name: Nabila Sofea binti Zawawi (2018680438)

Group Members: Muhammad Sharfawi bin Burhanuddin (2018259708)
Nur Aqila binti Mohamad (2018660614)
Nur Hannani binti Johari (2018801622)
Noormin Suraya binti Anuar Zaidi (2018802362)

Abstract—This experiment is carried out with three aims in

mind, to determine the relationship between pressure and volume
of an ideal gas, the relationship between pressure and temperature
of an ideal gas and the ratio of heat capacity. These aims were
successfully achieved by operating the Perfect Gas Expansion
Apparatus (Model: TH11) on the 21st of October 2019. The first
experiment involves the demonstration of Boyle’s Law, or the P-V
relations and was repeated three times, from pressurized chamber Figure 2: Graphical Representation of Gay-Lussac’s Law
to atmospheric chamber, from vacuum chamber to atmospheric
chamber and from pressurized chamber to vacuum chamber. The Meanwhile, the third experiment aims to demonstrate
second experiment was carried out to demonstrate the Gay-Lussac the isentropic expansion of gas, a process where the entropy of
Law, or the P-T relations, which took three trials. The third the gas is kept constant. An isentropic process is also easily
experiment was carried out to show the isentropic expansion understood to be adiabatic in which there is no net transfer of
process where the pressure and temperature of the gas before and either mass or heat during the process. From this process, the
after expansion were observed and recorded. The results obtained specific heat ratio can be calculated.
tallied with the theoretical laws despite a few errors that caused It is essential to be equipped with the knowledge of
deviations but the experiment were considered a success.
ideal gases as it is a fundamental law that is utilized by
engineers working with gases to approximate their actual
I. INTRODUCTION behavior. For instance, ideal gas law is used to estimate the
volume of the container that needs to be built based on the
known parameters such as the pressure and temperature.
An ideal gas is a law that can be simply expressed as PV=nRT,
in which P and T are the absolute pressure and temperature, and
R is the gas constant. It is an approximation made to make it
easier to predict the behavior of gas, derived from simpler gas II. OBJECTIVES
laws such as Boyle’s, Charles’s and Amonto’s Law (LeTran,
2019). In this experiment, a few laws were observed, namely
the Boyle’s and Gay-Lussac’s Law. Each of these law states the The objectives of this experiment are:-
relationship between pressure and volume, and pressure and
i. To determine the relationship between
temperature of an ideal gas respectively. pressure and volume of an ideal gas.
Boyle’s Law states that the pressure of a given mass
of an ideal gas is inversely proportional to its volume at a ii. To determine the relationship between
constant temperature which gives rise to the equation pressure and temperature of ideal gas.
P1V1=P2V2. iii. To determine the ratio of heat capacity.

III. THEORY

Boyle’s Law is derived from the volume of gas that is

inversely proportional to pressure at constant temperature.
Figure 1: Graphical Representation of Boyle’s Law 1
𝑉∝
𝑃
Meanwhile, Gay-Lussac’s Law states that the pressure
of a given mass of gas varies directly with the absolute or 𝑃𝑉 = 𝐾
temperature of the gas at constant volume, which gives rise to ∴ 𝑃1 𝑉1 = 𝑃2 𝑉2
the equation P1/T1=P2/T2. To clearly demonstrate these two
laws, it is understood that the parameters in the equation were
to be manipulated in a way that the data can be represented in
graphical form.
 Gay-Lussac’s Law is derived from the pressure-temperature For specific heat relations of ideal gas, combining ℎ =
proportionality for gas. 𝑈 + 𝑃𝑉 and 𝑃𝑉 = 𝑅𝑇 gives ℎ = 𝑈 + 𝑅𝑇.
Since 𝑃 ∝ 𝑇 for fixed mass kept at constant volume,
𝑃1 Differentiating the equation,
=𝑘
𝑇1 𝑑ℎ = 𝑑𝑢 + 𝑅𝑇
𝑃2
=𝑘
𝑇2
Replacing dh with Cp dT and du with Cv dT and diving the
𝑃1 𝑃2 resulting expression with dT,
= =𝑘
𝑇1 𝑇2
𝐶𝑝 = 𝐶𝑣 + 𝑅
𝑃1 𝑃2
∴ =
𝑇1 𝑇2
Specific heat ratio, k is also an ideal gas property. It is
defined as,
The ideal gas law is derived from three simple gas laws, 𝐶𝑝
namely the Boyle’s Law, Charle’s Law and Avogadro’s Law. 𝑘=
𝐶𝑣
From Boyle’s Law,
1
𝑉∝ (1)
𝑃 IV. PROCEDURES

Charles’s Law, General Start-up Procedures

𝑉 ∝ 𝑇 (2) 1. The equipment was connected to single phase power
supply and was switched on.
Avogadro’s Law, 2. The valves were fully opened and pressure reading was
checked.
𝑉 ∝ 𝑛 (3)
3. All valves were then closed.
4. The pipe was connected from the compressive port of
Combining (1), (2), and (2), the pump to pressurized chamber.
nT 5. The unit was ready for use.
V ∝
P
Converting proportionality to equality,
Experiment 1: Boyle’s Law Experiment
knT
V = 1. The general start-up procedures were performed. The
P
valves were made sure to be fully closed.
Replacing k with gas constant, R,
2. The compressive pump was switched on and the
nRT pressure inside the chamber was increased up to 150
V =
P kPa. The pump was then switched off and the hose was
Rearranging to give the ideal gas law, removed from the chamber.

PV = nRT 3. The pressure reading inside the chamber was monitored

until it stabilized.
4. The pressure reading for both chambers before
Where expansion were recorded.
P = absolute pressure 5. V 02 was fully opened and the pressurized air was
allowed to flow into the atmospheric chamber.
V = volume
6. The pressure reading for both chambers after expansion
n = number of moles
were recorded.
R = universal gas law
7. The experimental procedures were repeated for the
T = absolute temperature following conditions:
 a) From atmospheric chamber to vacuum chamber
b) From pressurized chamber to vacuum chamber
V. RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
8. The PV value were calculted to prove the Boyle’s Law.

Experiment 2: Gay-Lussac’s Law Experiment Experiment 1: Boyle’s Law Experiment

1. The general start-up procedures were performed. The Table 1. Pressurized Chamber to Atmospheric Chamber
valves were made sure to be fully closed. Before expansion After expansion
2. The hose from compressive pump was connected to PT 1 (kPa abs) 154.5 143.8
pressurized chamber. PT 2 (kPa abs) 126.1 142.3
3. The compressive pump was switched on and the
temperature for every increment of 10 kPa was Table 2. Vacuum Chamber to Atmospheric Chamber
recorded. The pump was stopped when pressure PT 1
Before expansion After expansion
reached about 160 kPa.
PT 1 (kPa abs) 143.2 114.8
4. Then, valve V 01 was slightly opened to allow the
PT 2 (kPa abs) 59.8 113.6
pressurized air to flow out. The temperature reading for
every increment of 10 kPa was recorded.
Table 3. Pressurized Chamber to Vacuum Chamber
5. The experiment was stopped when pressure reached
atmospheric pressure. Before expansion After expansion
PT 1 (kPa abs) 151.1 120.5
6. The experiment was repeated three times to get the
average value. PT 2 (kPa abs) 61.8 118.9

7. The graph of pressure versus temperature was plotted.

For pressurized chamber to atmospheric chamber,

Experiment 3: Determination of ratio of heat capacity V1 = 0.025 m3
V2 = 0.01237 m3
1. The general start-up procedures were performed.
2. The hose from compressive pump was connected to By using Boyle’s Law,
pressurized chamber. 𝑃1 𝑉1 = 𝑃2 𝑉2
(154.5 × 0.025) + (126.1 × 0.01237)
3. The compressive pump was switched on and the
pressure inside the chamber was allowed to increase = (143.8 × 0.025) + (142.3 × 0.01237)
until about 160 kPa. Then, the pump was switched off 5.4224 = 5.3553
and the hose was removed from the chamber.
The difference between the two values is 0.0671.
4. The pressure reading inside the chamber was monitored
until it stabilized. The pressure reading PT 1 and Or,
temperature TT 1 were recorded. 5.4224 − 5.3553
𝜀= × 100% = 1.2%
5. The valve V 01 was fully opened and brought back to 5.4224
closed position after a few seconds. The pressure
reading PT 1 and TT 1 were monitored until it became For vacuum chamber to atmospheric chamber,
stable. 𝑃1 𝑉1 = 𝑃2 𝑉2
(143.2 × 0.025) + (59.8 × 0.01237)
6. The ratio of heat capacity was determined and compared
with the theoretical value. = (114.8 × 0.025) + (113.6 × 0.01237)
4.3197 = 4.2752

General Shut-down Procedures The difference between the two values is only 0.0445.

1. The pump was switched off and both pipes were Or,
removed from chambers. 4.3197 − 4.2752
𝜀= × 100% = 1.03%
2. Valves were fully opened to release air inside the 4.3197
chambers.
3. The main switch and power supply were switched off.
For pressurized chamber to vacuum chamber. Table 7. Average Data
𝑃1 𝑉1 = 𝑃2 𝑉2 Pressure (kPa abs) Temperature (oC)
(151.1 × 0.025) + (61.8 × 0.01237)
= (120.5 × 0.025) + (118.9 × 0.01237)
110 32.55
4.542 = 4.4833
120 33
130 33.43333
The difference between the two values is only 0.0587. 140 34
150 34.65
Or, 160 35.08333
4.542 − 4.4833
𝜀= × 100% = 1.3%
4.542

Graph 1. Graph of Pressure vs Temperature

Experiment 2: Gay-Lussac’s Law Experiment

Table 4. Trial 1 Pressure (kPa) vs Temperature (ºC)

Pressure (kPa abs) Temperature (oC)
180
160
Pressurize vessel Depressurize vessel 140

Pressure (kPa)
110 32.5 35.3 120
120 32.6 33.7 100
130 33.2 33.2
80
140 34.1 32.4
150 35.0 32.0 60
160 35.6 31.6 40
20
0
Table 5. Trial 2 32 32.5 33 33.5 34 34.5 35 35.5
o Temperature (ºC)
Pressure (kPa abs) Temperature ( C)

Pressurize vessel Depressurize vessel

110 31.2 32.5
120 32.6 33.9
130 32.2 35.0 Experiment 3: Isentropic Expansion Process
140 33.3 35.3
150 34.3 36.0 Table 8. Isentropic Expansion Result
160 35.3 36.1
Before expansion After expansion
PT 1 (kPa abs) 161.6 110.3
Table 6. Trial 3 TT 1 ( C) o
36.0 33.0
Pressure (kPa abs) Temperature (oC)
For isentropic process,
Pressurize vessel Depressurize vessel 𝑘−1
( )
110 31.7 32.1 𝑇2 𝑃2 𝑘
120 32.0 33.2 =
𝑇1 𝑃1
130 32.6 34.4
140 33.5 35.4 𝑘−1
( )
150 34.5 36.1 33.0 110.3 𝑘
=
160 35.5 36.4 36.0 161.6
𝑘−1
( )
0.9167 = 0.6825 𝑘

𝑘−1
ln 0.9167 = ( ) ln 0.6825
𝑘
𝑘−1
= 0.2277
𝑘
𝑘 = 1.2948
 For the first experiment with the objective of
demonstrating Boyle’s Law, it is first understood that the law
states that the pressure of a given mass of an ideal gas is CONCLUSION
inversely proportional to its volume at a constant temperature,
or simply expressed as the equation 𝑃1 𝑉1 = 𝑃2 𝑉2 . Therefore, the
data gathered for this specific purpose is the pressure of the gas The objectives of the experiment were successfully achieved,
before and after expansion at constant volume in each tank. The with the Boyle’s Law verified, with the difference in values of
experiment is repeated in three different conditions to observe P1V1=P2V2 approximately 1%. Gay-Lussac’s Law was also
the precision of the results, that is pressurized chamber to verified with the graph showing that the pressure of gas varies
atmospheric chamber, vacuum chamber to pressurized chamber directly with the temperature at constant volume. The ratio of
and vacuum chamber to atmospheric chamber. For all
conditions, it can be observed that the difference of values using heat capacity was also calculated, giving the value of 1.2948.
pressure before and after expansion calculated using Boyle’s
Law have very small differences of approximately 1%. From
RECOMMENDATIONS
this pattern, it can be deducted that Boyle’s Law is verified.
For the second experiment with the objective of
demonstrating Gay-Lussac’s Law, it is first understood that the Various recommendations could be made in order to obtain
law states the pressure of a given mass of gas varies directly more accurate results, and that is to ensure that the instrument
with the absolute temperature of the gas at constant volume, was properly calibrated before it is run in an experiment. This
which gives rise to the equation P1/T1=P2/T2. In order to achieve is to detect any abnormalities in the instrument itself so it can
this, the equipment is run and the data gathered is the be fixed to give more reliable data. Other than that, it is
temperature at pressurized and depressurized vessel at different important to consult the lab assistant for guidance so no
pressure. The data is then presented in the form of graph. From confusion arises during the experiment is run. Lastly, it is very
Graph 1, it can be observed that the trendline goes upwards, recommended to calculate the standard deviation for each data
representing the increasing temperature as the pressure also
obtained as this reflects its accuracy and the need for a
increases. This is the similar trend suggested by Gay-Lussac’s
Law. Therefore, it can be deducted that Gay-Lussac’s Law had repetition of the experiment for more reliable results.
successfully been demonstrated.
The third experiment was conducted to obtain the ratio REFERENCES
of specific heat capacity. It was achieved by gathering the
absolute pressure and temperature of the gas before and after [1] A. Esposito (1997), Fluid Mechanics with Applications, 4th Revised US
expansion. From the data, the ratio of heat capacity was Edition, Prentice-Hall
calculated using the equation for isentropic process, which is [2] R. C. Binder (1960), Fluid Mechanics, 3rd Edition, Prentice Hall
𝑘−1 [3] R. L. Mott (2015), Applied Fluid Mechanics, 7th Edition, Prentice-Hall
( )
𝑇2 𝑃2 𝑘
= . The value of k calculated is 1.2948. Therefore it can [4] R. L. Street (1995), Elementary Fluid Mechanics, 7th Edition, John Wiley
𝑇1 𝑃1 & Sons Inc.
𝐶𝑝
also be understood that 𝑘 = = 1.2948. k, or the ratio of
𝐶𝑣
specific heat capacity, also known as Laplace’s coefficient plays
an important role in thermodynamics, especially in adiabatic
processes.
APPENDIX
Figure 1: Raw Data Recorded on the Day of the Experiment