Solution of UPSC Papers

Of
Basic and Applied Thermodynamics
First Law of Thermodynamics
Prepared By

Brij Bhooshan
Asst. Professor
B. S. A. College of Engg. And Technology
Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, (India)

Supported By:
Purvi Bhooshan

Please welcome for any correction or misprint in the entire manuscript and your
valuable suggestions kindly mail us brijrbedu@gmail.com.

1986
Problem: Prove that system energy is a property.
[IAS - 1986]
1
C
B
A
2

Solution: Consider a system which changes its state from state 1 to state 2 by following
the path A, and returns from state 2 to state 1 by following the path B as shown in
Diagram. So the system undergoes a cycle.
Now, applying the first law for path A
QA = ΔEA + WA [1]
and for path B
QB = ΔEB + WB [2]
The processes A and B together constitute a cycle, for which

WA + WB = QA + QB
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2 Solution of UPSC Papers of First Law of Thermodynamics

WB − QB = QA − WA [3]
From equations (1), (2), and (3),
ΔEA = − ΔEB [4]
Similarly, had the system returned from state 2 to state 1 by following the path C
instead of path B
ΔEA = − ΔEC [5]
From equations (4) and (5)
ΔEB = ΔEC [6]
Therefore, it is seen that the change in energy between two states of a system is the
same, whatever path the system may follow in undergoing that change of state. If some
arbitrary value of energy is assigned to state 2, the value of energy at state 1 is fixed
independent of the path the system follows. Therefore, energy has a definite value for
every state of the system. Hence, it is a point function and a property of the system.

1987
Problem: Discuss the fundamental relationship between heat transfer and
thermodynamics.
[IAS - 1987]
Solution: Heat is defined as energy transferred by virtue of a temperature difference or
gradient. It is a vector quantity, flowing in the direction of decreasing temperature, with
a negative temperature gradient. In the science of thermodynamics, the important
parameter is the quantity of heat transferred during a process. In the subject of heat
transfer, attention is directed to the rate at which heat transferred. Thermodynamics is
concerned with the transition of a system from one equilibrium state to another, and, is
based principally on the two laws of nature, the first law, and, the second law of
thermodynamics. It is science of heat transferred, the duration of heating, and, cooling
for a certain heat duty, and, the surface area required to accomplish that heat duty.

Problem: The diameter and stroke of a gas engine cylinder are 18 cm and 30 cm
respectively. The ratio of expansion is 5. The pressure and temperature of the mixture
at the beginning of compression are 1.04 kgf/cm2 and 100°C respectively. Find the index
of the compression process and the weight of the mixture in the cylinder, if the pressure
at the end of compression is 7 kgf/cm2. Also calculate the work done and heat
transferred during the process, indicating the direction of flow. Assume, R = 29.3 kgf-
m/kg-K and ratio of specific heats equal to 1.4 for the mixture.
[Engg. Services - 1987]
Solution: Given that: diameter (d) = 18 cm, stroke (l) = 30 cm, expansion ration (re) = 5,
P1 = 1.04 kgf/cm2, T1 = 100°C + 273 = 373 K, P2 = 7 kgf/cm2, R = 29.3 kgf-m/kg-K.
Now, 1 is the initial condition, and, 2 is final condition.
Volume of cylinder (V1)

Then, we get V1 = 7634.0 cm3.

Mass of gas (m): We know that P1V1 = mRT1

Index No.:

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 Solution of UPSC Papers of Basic & Applied Thermodynamics By Brij Bhooshan 3

Now,

Taken log both side, then

Then, we get γ = 1.18.

Now, work done

Then, we get W = −152.68 kg.m/cycle.

Negative sign indicates work is done on the system.
Now, again

Heat added

Then, we get Q = −26.16 kcal/kg.

Negative sign indicates heat is rejected by the system.

1989
Problem: Discuss, with illustration, the four factors that make thermodynamic
processes irreversible.
[IAS - 1989]
Solution: Thermodynamic process which does not fulfil conditions of a reversible
process is termed irreversible processes. Irreversibilities are the reasons causing process
to be irreversible. Generally, the irreversibilities can be termed as internal
irreversibility and external irreversibility. Internal irreversibility is there because of
internal factors whereas external irreversibility is caused by external factors at the
system-surrounding interface. Generic types of irreversibilities are due to;
(i) Friction,
(ii) Electrical resistance,
(iii) Inelastic solid deformations,
(iv) Free expansion
(v) Heat transfer through a finite temperature difference,
(vi) Non equilibrium during the process, etc.

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4 Solution of UPSC Papers of First Law of Thermodynamics

Problem: A reversible cycle using an ideal gas as the working substance consists of a
isentropic compression from and initial temperature to 555°K, a constant volume
process from 555° to 835°K, a reversible adiabatic expansion to 555°K, a constant
pressure expansion from 555°K to 835°K followed by a constant volume process to the
initial temperature. Draw the cycle on p-v and the T-S diagrams and determine the
initial temperature, (γ = 1.40). Also compute the work done.
[Engg. Services - 1989]
3 5
P T

3 V=C P=C
4
5
2 4

2 V=C
1
1
S
V

Solution: Given that: T2 = T4 = 555 K, T3 = T5 = 555 K.

In process 1-2, and, 3-5

Adiabatic compression 1-2

Process 4-5, (P4 = P5)

Adiabatic expansion 3-4

From Eqn. (3), and (4)

From Eqn. (1), (2), and (3)

Then, we get T1 = 305.25 K.

Now, work done

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 Solution of UPSC Papers of Basic & Applied Thermodynamics By Brij Bhooshan 5

Then, we get W = 58.65 kJ.

1990
Problem: A rigid tank of 0.566 m3 volume contains air at 6.895 bar and 21.1⁰C. The
tank is equipped with a relief valve that opens at a pressure of 8.618 bar and remains
open until the pressure drops to 8.274 bar. If a fire causes the valve to operate once as
described, determine the air temperature just before the valve opens and the mass of air
lost due to the fire. Assume that the temperature of the air remains constant during
discharge and air in the tank behaves as an ideal gas.
[Engg. Services - 1990]

V = 0.566 m3

Solution: Given that: V1 = 0.566 m3, P1 = 6.895 bar, T1 = 21.1°C + 273 = 294.1 K, P2 =
8.274 bar.
According to problem volume is constant.
Now mass of air P1V1 = m1RT1

Now,

Mass of air at the time of closing of valve at pressure P’2, and temperature T2.
Now from ideal gas equation P’2V1 = m2RT2

Mass of air escaped = m1 – m2

= 4.62 – 4.43 = 0.19 kg.

Problem: A scales are so chosen that a reversible cycle plots clockwise as a circle on the
T-S plane. The minimum and maximum values of the temperature are 305 and 627 K
and the entropy 1.23 and 2.85 kJ/K, respectively. Find the cycle work and efficiency.
[Engg. Services - 1990]

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6 Solution of UPSC Papers of First Law of Thermodynamics

627 C

A
B

305
C
S
1.23 2.85

Solution: We know that the area under the curve gives work done, then
W = ∫Area = (/4) × AB × CD

Then, we get W = 404.63 kJ.

Heat Q

Then, we get Q = 957.23 kJ.

Efficiency:

1992
Problem: 3 kg of air at 1.5 bar pressure and 77°C temperature at state 1 is compressed
polytropically to state 2 at pressure 7.5 bar, index of compression being 1.2. It is then
cooled at constant temperature to its original state 1. Find the net work done and heat
transferred.
[Engg. Services - 1992]
P 3 P=C 2
7.5 bar

PV1.2 = C
PV = C

1.5 bar 1
V

Solution: Given that: mass (m) = 3 kg, P1 = 1.5 bar, T1 = 87°C + 273 = 360 K, P2 = 7.5
bar, γ = 1.2.
Different states as described in the problem are denoted as 1, 2 and 3 and shown on P-V
diagram.
Process 1-2 is polytropic process with index 1.2

At state 1, P1V1 = mRT1

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 Solution of UPSC Papers of Basic & Applied Thermodynamics By Brij Bhooshan 7

Then, we get V1 = 2.06 m3.

Now, for process 1-2,

Process 2-3 is constant pressure process, so

Here process 3-1 is isothermal process, so T1 = T3

During process 1-2 the compression work;

W1–2 = – 442.5 kJ
Work during process 2-3,
W2–3 = P2 (V3 – V2)
W2–3 = 7.5 × 105 (0.402 – 0.526) = – 93 kJ
Work during process 3-1,

W3–1 = 496.30 kJ.

Net work, Wnet = W1–2 + W2–3 + W3–1
Wnet = – 442.5 – 90 + 496.30 = – 36.2 kJ.
–ve work shows work done upon the system.
Since it is the cycle, so Wnet = Qnet.
Heat transferred from system = 36.2 kJ.

1993
Problem: 0.5 kg of air (ideal gas) executes a Carnot power cycle having a thermal
efficiency of 50 percent. The heat transfer to the air during the isothermal expansion is
40 kJ. At the beginning of the isothermal expansion the pressure is 7 bar and the
volume is 0.12 m3. Determine the maximum and minimum temperatures for the cycle,
in K, the volume at the end of isothermal expansion, in m3, and the work and heat
transfer for each of the four processes, in kJ. For air CV = 0.721 and CP = 1.008 kJ/kg. K.
[Engg. Services - 1993]

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8 Solution of UPSC Papers of First Law of Thermodynamics

T 40 kJ

2 3

1 4
S

Solution: Given that: m = 0.5m kg, η = 50 % = 0.50, Q23 = 40 kJ, P2 = 7 bar, V2 = 0.12
m3, CV = 0.721, CP = 1.008 kJ/kg. K.
Efficiency of carnot cycle

T2 = 2 T1 [1]
At state 2: Applying gas equation P2V2 = mRT2

Heat transfer from 2-3

After solving, we get V3 = 0.193 m3.

Now, from Eqn. (1) T2 = 2 T1
T1 = 292.68 K.
During process 1-2
Now, γ = CP/CV = 1.008/0.721 = 1.398.

At state 1, P1V1 = mRT1

Then, we get V1 = 0.689 m3.

For isentropic process 1-2
W1-2 = mCV (T2 – T1)
W1-2 = −0.5 × 0.721 × (585.36 – 292.68) = −105.51 kJ.
For isentropic process 3-4
W3-4 = mCV (T3 – T4)
W3-4 = 0.5 × 0.721 × (585.36 – 292.68) = 105.51 kJ.
Process Q W
1−2 0 −105.51 kJ
2−3 40 kJ 40 kJ
3−4 0 105.51 kJ
4−1 −40 kJ −40 kJ
Maximum temperature of the cycle T3 = 585.36 K.

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 Solution of UPSC Papers of Basic & Applied Thermodynamics By Brij Bhooshan 9

Minimum temperature of the cycle T1 = 292.38 K.

Volume at the end of thermal expansion V3 = 0.193 m3.

Problem: A compressed air bottle of 0.05 m3 volume contains air at 3.5 atm, 40°C. This
air is used to drive a turbogenerator supplying power to a device which consumes 5 W.
Calculate the time for which the device can be operated if the actual output of the
turbogenerator is 60% of the maximum theoretical output. The ambient pressure to is 1
atm. For air, CP/CV = 1.4.
[Engg. Services - 1993]
Solution: Given that: P1 = 2.5 atm, P2 = 1 atm, V = 0.05 m , Power (P) = 5 W = J/sec, η
3

= 60% = 0.6.
Net change in work done/available energy:
W = (P1 − P2)V
W = (3.5 − 1) × 0.05 × 105 = 12500 J.
Power/energy used = 5/0.6 = 8.33 J/s.
Time for which the turbogenerator can be operated with 5 W output
= 12500/8.33 = 1506.02 s.

1994
Problem: A gas is confined to a cylinder by a spring loaded frictionless piston, so that
the pressure in the fluid is a linear function P = a + bV. The internal energy of the gas is
given by U = 34 + PV(3.15) where U is in kJ, P in kPa and V in m3. If the gas 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 done on piston, find the direction and magnitude of work and heat
transfer.
[IAS - 1994]
Solution: Given that: P1 = 170 kPa, V1 = 0.03 m3, P2 = 400 kPa, V2 = 0.06 m3.
P = a + bV, and, U = 34 + PV(3.15)
For 1
170 = a + b × 0.03
400 = a + b × 0.06
After solving, above equations, we get a = −59.99, b = 7666.66.
Then, we have P = −59.99 + 7666.66V.
Now work done

Heat transfer:
Now internal energy is
U1 = 34 + 170 × 0.03 × 3.15 = 50.06 kJ
U2 = 34 + 400 × 0.06 × 3.15 = 109.6 kJ
Now, change in internal energy
ΔU = U2 − U1 = 109.6 – 50.06 = 59.54 kJ.
Now, heat transfer
Q = ΔU + W = 59.54 – 23.85 = 35.85 kJ.

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10 Solution of UPSC Papers of First Law of Thermodynamics

Problem: An evacuated bottle of 0.5 m3 volume is slowly filled from atmospheric air at
1.0135 bars until the pressure inside the bottle also becomes 1.0135 bar. Due to heat
transfer, the temperature of air inside the bottle after filling is equal to the atmospheric
air temperature. Determine the amount of heat transfer.
[Engg. Services - 1994]
Initial system boundary
Patm = 1.0135 bar
Valve
Evacuated bottle
Initial system boundary
Final system boundary
after filling

Solution: Given that: P = 1.0135 bar, V1 = 0.5 m3, V2 = 0.

Displacement work; W = P(V2 − V1)
W = 1.0135 × 105 × (0 – 0.5) = – 0.50675 × 105 kJ
Heat transfer, Q = −W = 0.50675 × 105 kJ

1995
Problem: Prove the validity or otherwise of the following statements
For a perfect gas the work done by a constant pressure expansion from any point on a
given isothermal to another given isothermal is constant.
[IAS - 1995]
Solution: See the solution of IAS 1990.

1996
Problem: Show that when a gas expands behind a piston according to the law Pvγ =
constant, the heat transfer, change in internal energy and work done are in the ratio (γ
− n): (n − 1): (γ − 1) and that the effective specific heat C for an expansion of this kind is
times its specific heat at constant volume CV.
[IAS - 1996]
Solution: Given process is polytropic PVγ=C.
Let 1 is initial state, and, 2 is final state.
Now, we know that

Now,

By property relation
T.dS = dU + P.dV [2]
From 1st law of thermodynamics
Q – W = U2 − U1 = CV(V2 − V1)

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 Solution of UPSC Papers of Basic & Applied Thermodynamics By Brij Bhooshan 11

From Eqn. (1), (2), and (3)

dQ = dU + dW

Ratio Q : U : W
Q : U : W = (γ − n): (n − 1): (γ − 1)
Now from Eqn. (4)

Since CV = R/(γ − 1), then

Then

1998
Problem: A compressed air bottle of volume 0.15 m3 contains air at 40 bar and 27°C. It
is used to drive a turbine which exhausts to atmosphere at 1 bar. If the pressure in the
bottle is allowed to fall to 2 bar, determine the amount of work that could be delivered
by the turbine.
[Engg. Services - 1998]
Solution: Given that: P1 = 40 bar, V1 = 0.15 m , T1 = 27°C + 273 = 300 K, P = 1 bar, P2 =
3

2 bar, Cp = 1.005 kJ/kg- K, Cv = 0.718 kJ/kg-K, γ = 1.4.

Initial mass of air in bottle

Now,

Final mass of air in bottle

Energy available for running of turbine due to emptying of bottle,

= (m1CvT1 – m2CvT2) – (m1 – m2)CpT2
= {(6.97 × 0.718 × 300) – (0.821 × 0.718 × 127.36)} – {(6.97 – 0.821) × 1.005 × 127.35}
= 639.27 kJ.
Work available from turbine = 639.27 kJ.

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12 Solution of UPSC Papers of First Law of Thermodynamics

2002
Problem: A mass of air initially at 760 KPa and 250 °C occupies 0.026 m 3. The air is
expanded at constant pressure to 0.07 m3. A polytropic process with n = 1.52 is then
carried out followed by an isothermal process and the cycle is thus completed. Assuming
all the processes to be reversible,
(i) show all the processes on P-v and T-s planes
(ii) compute the heat received and rejected in the cycle
(iii) calculate the efficiency of the cycle.
[IAS - 2002]
P P=C T
1 2
2

PVn = C

PV = C
1 3
3
V S

Solution: Given that: P1 = P2 = 760 kPa, V1 = 0.026 m3, T1 = 250°C + 273 = 523 K, V2 =
0.07 m3, n = 1.52.
Process 1-2

Now, T1 = T3.
Now process 2-3

Heat received and heat rejected:

Qg1 = Cp(T2 – T1) = 1.005 × (1408.04 – 523) = 889.49 kJ/kg.

Then, we get Qr = 434.56 kJ/kg.

Then, we get Qg2 = −146.44 kJ/kg.

Net heat received Qg = 889.49 kJ/kg.
Net heat rejected Qr = 434.56 kJ/kg.
Efficiency: Now we know that

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 Solution of UPSC Papers of Basic & Applied Thermodynamics By Brij Bhooshan 13

2003
Problem: An ideal gas is heated at constant volume until its temperature is 3 times the
original temperature, then it is expanded isothermally till is reaches its original
pressure, the gas is then restored to its original state. Determine the expression of net
work done.
[IFoS - 2003]
P
2

1 3

Solution: Given that: V1 = V2, P1 = P3, 3T1 = T2, T2 = T3.

Now, work done during process 1-2 is
W1-2 = 0
Now, work done during process 3-1 is
W3-1 = P3(V3 – V1)
Now, work done during process 2-3 is

Now,

Then, W2-3 = RT2 ln 3 = 0.315T2

Now 3P1V2 = P1V3 or 3V2 = V3.
Then, W3-1 = P3(3V2 – V1) = 2P3 = nR(T3 – T1)
Now, net work done
W = W2-3 + W3-1 = 0.315T2 + 2P3
W = 0.315T2 + R(T3 – T1)

Problem: An ideal gas is heated at constant volume until its temperature is 3 times the
original temperature, then it is expanded isothermally till it reaches its original
pressure. The gas is then cooled at constant pressure till it is restored to the original
state. Determine the net work done per kg of gas if the initial temperature is 350 K.
[Engg. Services - 2003]
Solution: Same as IFoS 2003.
Now, T1 = 350°C + 273 = 623 K, T2 = T3 = 1869 K.
Now, net work done
W = W2-3 + W3-1 = 0.315T2 + 2P3
W = 0.315 × 1869 + 0.287 × (1869 – 623) = 946.33 kJ/kg.

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14 Solution of UPSC Papers of First Law of Thermodynamics

2007
Problem: A fluid, contained in a horizontal cylinder fitted with a frictionless leakproof
piston, is continuously agitated by means of stirrer passing through the cylinder cover.
The cylinder diameter is 0.40 m. During the stirring process lasting 10 minutes, the
piston slowly moves out a distance of 0.485 m against the atmosphere. The net work
done by the fluid during the process is 2 kJ. The speed of the electric motor driving the
stirrer is 840 r.p.m. Determine the torque in the shaft and the power output of the
motor.
[IAS - 2007]
Solution: Given that: Dia of cylinder (D) = 0.4 m; Time (t) = 10 min; Displacement (L) =
0.485 m; Work (W) = 5 kJ; Speed (N) = 840 rpm.
Assume atmospheric pressure (Pa) = 101.325 kPa.
Work done due to atmosphere is

Work done due to stirrer is

Now according to problem

Utilizing Eqn. (1) and (2), we have

Torque in the shaft is 0.079 N-m.

Power output of the motor is

Power output of the motor is 6.96 W.

Problem: An air compressor is used to fill rapidly a 3 m3 tank at 20° C and1atm. The
filling process is governed by the law PV1.4 = constant. The kinetic and potential energy
effects are negligible. The ratio of the final to the initial mass of air in the tank is 4.
Work out the following:
(i) Sketch the system and list the assumptions made
(ii) Work input to the compressor.
[Engg. Services - 2007]
Solution: Given that: P1 = 1 atm, V1 = 3 m3, T1 = 20°C + 273 = 293 K, PV1.4 = Constant,
m2/m1 = 4.
Now m1V1 = m2V2.
Then

Now we know

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 Solution of UPSC Papers of Basic & Applied Thermodynamics By Brij Bhooshan 15

Compressor work: WC = Cp(T2 – T1)

WC = 1.005 × (510.14 – 293) = 218.25 kJ/kg.

2008
Problem: A closed cylinder of 0.25 m diameter is fitted with a light frictionless piston.
The piston is retained in position by a catch in the cylinder wall and the volume on one
side of the piston contains air at a pressure of 750 kN/m2. The volume on the other side
of the piston is evacuated. A helical spring is mounted co-axially with the cylinder in
this evacuated space to give a force of 120 N on the piston in this position. The catch is
released and the piston travels along the cylinder until it comes to rest after a stroke of
1.2 m. The piston is then held in its position of maximum travel by a ratchet
mechanism. The spring force increases linearly with the piston displacement to a final
value of 5 kN. Calculate the work done by the compressed air on the piston.
[IFoS - 2008]
F 5 kN

120

1.2 m
Solution: Given that: Dia of cylinder (D) = 0.25 m; Pressure (P) = 750 kN/m2; Initial
force (Fi) = 120 N; Final force (Ff) = 5 × 103 N; Displacement (x) = 1.2 m.
Work done against spring is work done by the compressed gas is obtained from the area
under the P-v graph.

Work done against spring is work done by the compressed gas is 3.072 kJ.

Problem: A tank contains 50 kg of water initially at a temperature of 30° C. Water at

the rate of 200 kg/h and temperature of 30° C enters the tank through an Inlet pipe. A
cooling coil immersed in the tank removes heat energy from water at the rate of 8 kW. A
mechanical stirrer ensures thorough mixing of water in the tank so as to maintain a
uniform temperature of water at any instant and in the process add heat energy at the
rate of 0.2 kW to water. Neglecting kinetic and potential energy changes and taking the
average specific heat of water as 4.2 kJ/ kg-K, derive an expression for the variation of
instantaneous temperature of water in the tank with respect to time.
[Engg. Services - 2008]
Solution: See the solution of Engg. Services 1995.

2009
Problem: The heat capacity at constant pressure of a certain system is a function of
temperature only and may be expressed as
41.87
C P  2.093  J/°C
t  100

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16 Solution of UPSC Papers of First Law of Thermodynamics

where t is the temperature in °C. The system is heated while it is maintained at a

pressure of 1 atmosphere until its volume increases from 2000 cm3 to 2400 cm3 and its
temperature increases from 0°C to 100°C. (i) Find the magnitude of heat interaction. (ii)
How much does the internal energy of the system increase?
[Engg. Services - 2009]
Solution: Given that: Initial temperature (Ti) = 0°C; Final temperature (Tf) = 100°C;
Initial volume (vi) = 2000 cm3 = 0.002 m3; Final volume (vf) = 2400 cm3 = 0.0024 m3.
(a) Magnitude of the heat interaction: Applying first law of thermodynamics
dQ = dh – vdP
at constant pressure dP = 0. Thus we have

(b) Internal energy of the system: We know that

dU = dh – Pdv

Internal energy of the system is 197.8 kJ.

2010
Problem: 0.5 m3 of gas at 10 kPa and 130°C expands adiabatically to 1 kPa. It is then
isothermally compressed to its original volume.
Cp = 1.005 kJ/kg-K and Cv = 0.718 kJ/kg-K.
Represent these processes on P-V diagram. Find final temperature and pressure of gas.
[IAS - 2010]
P 1

PVγ = C
3

PV = C 2
V

Solution: Given that: P1 = 10 kPa, V1 = V3 = 0.5 m3, P2 = 1 kPa, T1 = 130°C + 273 = 403
K, Cp = 1.005 kJ/kg-K, Cv = 0.718 kJ/kg-K.
Final temperature and pressure of gas:
Now process 1-2

Then, T2 = T3 = 208.73 K.

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Brij Bhooshan Asst. Professor B.S.A College of Engg. & Technology, Mathura (India)
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 Solution of UPSC Papers of Basic & Applied Thermodynamics By Brij Bhooshan 17

Then, V2 = 2.58 m3.

Now

Final temperature T3 = 208.73 K.

Final pressure P3 = 5.16 kPa.
Compressor work: WC

WC = −98.30 kJ/kg.

Problem: Consequent upon first law of thermodynamics, show that the heat is a path
function.
[IFoS - 2010]
Solution: Suppose a system is taken from an initial state 1 to state 2 by the path la2
and it is restored to the initial state through the path 2b1 (Diagram). Then, the system
has undergone a cyclic change. If the system is restored to the initial state from state 2
by following another path 2cl, then la2cl is another cycle.
2

Let us consider the following two cycles: 1a2b1 and la2cl and apply the first law of
thermodynamics Eqn. to get

or

Subtracting Eq. (1) from Eq. (2)

Since, work depends on the path

Therefore,

Energy transfer as heat is not a point function, neither is it a property of the system.
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Brij Bhooshan Asst. Professor B.S.A College of Engg. & Technology, Mathura (India)
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18 Solution of UPSC Papers of First Law of Thermodynamics

 Heat interaction is a path function.

 Energy is a Property of the System
Refer to Diagram again and consider Eq. (3)

This shows that, while ∫dQ and ∫dW depend on path function followed by the system.
The quantity ∫(dQ – dW) is the same for both the processes 2b1 and 2c1 connecting the
states 2 and 1. The quantity ∫(dQ – dW) does not depend on path followed by the system,
depends on the initial and final states. Hence ∫(dQ – dW) is an exact differential.

2011
Problem: An imaginary engine receives heat and does work on a slowly moving piston
at such rates that the cycle of operation of 1 kg of working fluid can be represented as a
circle 10 cm in diameter on a p-v diagram on which 1 cm = 300 kPa and 1 cm = 0.1
m3/kg. Determine how much work is done by each kg of working fluid for each cycle of
operation. If the heat rejected by the engine in a cycle is 1000 kJ per kg of working fluid,
find the thermal efficiency of the engine.
[IFoS - 2011]

D = 10 cm

Solution: Given that: Dia. of circle (D) = 10 cm; mass (m) = 1 kg; 1 cm = 300 kPa; 1 cm =
0.1 m3/kg.
(a) Work done (W): We know that area under curve gives the work done, then area of
circle is

Workdone W = 2356.19 kJ/kg.

(b) Efficiency (η):

Efficiency η = 70.2 %.

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Brij Bhooshan Asst. Professor B.S.A College of Engg. & Technology, Mathura (India)
Copyright by Brij Bhooshan @ 2013 Page 18