THE IDEAL-GAS EQUATION OF STATE

Any equation that relates the pressure, temperature, and specific volume of a substance is
called an equation of state. Property relations that involve other properties of a substance at
equilibrium states are also referred to as equations of state. There are several equations of state,
some simple and others very complex. The simplest and best-known equation of state for
substances in the gas phase is the ideal-gas equation of state. This equation predicts the P-v-T
behavior of a gas quite accurately within some properly selected region.
Gas and vapor are often used as synonymous words. The vapor phase of a substance is
customarily called a gas when it is above the critical temperature. Vapor usually implies a gas that
is not far from a state of condensation.
Boyle’s Law
If the temperature of a given quantity of a gas is held constant, the volume of a gas varies
inversely with the absolute pressure during a change of state.
T=C
1 C
V ∝ p or V = p ; C = pV
p1 v1 = p2 v2
Gay-Lussac’s Law
If the pressure on a particular quantity of gas is held constant, then, with any change of
state, the volume will vary directly as the absolute temperature.
p=C
V
V ∝ T or V = CT; C =
T
V1 V2
=
T1 T2
Charles’ Law
If the volume of a particular quantity of gas is held constant, then, with any change of
state, the pressure will vary directly as the absolute pressure.
V=C
p
p ∝ T or p = CT; C =
T
p1 p2
=
T1 T2

ENGR. EDMIL JHON B. ARIQUES – THERMODYNAMICS 1 1

Equation of State or Characteristic Equation of a Perfect Gas
Combining Boyle’s and Charles’ Laws,
p1 V1 p2 V2 pV
= = C; = mR
T1 T2 T
pV = mRT
pV = RT (unit mass)
Where:
lb
p = absolute pressure ( psi, ft2 , kPa, MPa)
V = volume, (m3 , cm3 , in3 , ft3 )
m3 ft3
v = specific volume, ( kg
, lb )
m = mass, (kg, lb)
T = absolute temperature, (K, R)
kJ Btu ft−lb
R = specific gas constant or gas constant, kg∙K , lb∙R , lb∙R

Universal Gas Constant, 𝐑 𝐮

The gas constant R is different for each gas and is determined
from
Ru kJ kPa∙m3
R= (kg∙K or )
M kg∙K
pV = nRu T

Where:
lb
p = absolute pressure ( psi, ft2 , kPa, MPa)
V = volume, (m3 , cm3 , in3 , ft3 )
m3 ft3
v = specific volume, ( , lb )
kg
n = mole number (mol, kmol)
T = absolute temperature, (K, R)
kJ
Ru = universal gas constant ( )
kmol ∙ K

ENGR. EDMIL JHON B. ARIQUES – THERMODYNAMICS 1 2

The constant Ru is the same for all substances, and its value is

ENGR. EDMIL JHON B. ARIQUES – THERMODYNAMICS 1 3

Molar Mass, M
The molar mass M can simply be defined as the mass of one mole (also called a gram-
mole, abbreviated gmol) of a substance in grams, or the mass of one kmol (also called a kilogram-
mole, abbreviated kgmol) in kilograms.
The molar mass of a substance has the same numerical value in both unit systems (SI and
English Units because of the way it is defined.
Example:
Molar Mass of Nitrogen = 28
It means that 1 kmol of nitrogen is 28 kg or 1 lbmol of nitrogen is 28 lbm.
kg lb
∴ M = 28 kmol = 28 lbmol
The mass of a system is equal to the product of its molar mass M and the mole number N:
m = MN (kg or lbm)

ENGR. EDMIL JHON B. ARIQUES – THERMODYNAMICS 1 4

ENGR. EDMIL JHON B. ARIQUES – THERMODYNAMICS 1 5
The Specific Heats
The specific heat is defined as the energy required to raise the temperature
of a unit mass of a substance by one degree. In general, this energy depends
on how the process is executed.
Heat (energy units) Q Q
c= = =
(mass)(change of temperature) m∆T m(T2 − T1 )

Specific Heat at Constant Volume, 𝐜𝐯

The energy required to raise the temperature of the unit mass of a substance by one degree
as the volume is maintained constant.
Specific Heat at Constant Pressure, 𝐜𝐩

The energy required to raise the temperature of the unit mass of a substance by one degree
as the pressure is maintained constant.
Note: cp > cv

Heat as Energy
Q = mc∆T = mc(T2 − T1 ) kJ
Heat at Constant Volume
Q = ∆U = mcv (T2 − T1 ) kJ
Heat at Constant Pressure
Q = ∆H = mcp (T2 − T1 ) kJ

Specific Heat Ratio, k

cp
k= cv

The specific ratio also varies with temperature, but this variation is very mild. For
monatomic gases, its value is essentially constant at 1.667. Many diatomic gases, including air,
have a specific heat ratio of about 1.4 at room temperature.

ENGR. EDMIL JHON B. ARIQUES – THERMODYNAMICS 1 6

Specific Heat Relations of Ideal Gases
kJ
cp = cV + R (kg∙K)
R
cV = k−1
kR
cp = k−1
Enthalpy—A Combination Property, h
In the analysis of certain types of processes, particularly in power generation and
refrigeration we frequently encounter the combination of properties U + pV. For the sake of
simplicity and convenience, this combination is defined as a new property, enthalpy, and given the
symbol h:
kJ
h = u + pv (kg)

H = U + PV (kJ)
Enthalpy as Heat in Ideal Gas
The change of enthalpy of an ideal gas is given by formula,
∆H = mcp (T2 − T1 )

whether the pressure remains constant or not.

ENGR. EDMIL JHON B. ARIQUES – THERMODYNAMICS 1 7

 Solved Problems
ft∙lbf
1. For a certain ideal gas R = 25.8 lbm∙R and k = 1.09.
Btu
a. What are the values of cp and cv in lbm∙R?
b. What mass of this gas would occupy volume of 15ft3 at 75 psia and 80℉?
c. If 30 Btu are transferred to this gas at constant volume, what are the resulting
temperature (in R) and pressure (in psia)?
Solution:
For 𝑐𝑝
ft ∙ lbf
kR 1.09 (25.8 lbm ∙ R)
cp = =
k−1 1.09 − 1
ft ∙ lbf 1Btu
cp = 312.47 ×
lbm ∙ R 778 ft ∙ lbf
𝐁𝐭𝐮
𝐜𝐩 = 𝟎. 𝟒𝟎𝟏𝟔
𝐥𝐛𝐦∙𝐑
For 𝑐𝑣
ft∙lbf
R 25.8 ft∙lbf 1Btu
lbm∙R
cV = k−1 = = 286.67 lbm∙R × 778 ft∙lbf
1.09−1
𝐁𝐭𝐮
𝐜𝐕 = 𝟎. 𝟑𝟔𝟗𝟓 𝐥𝐛𝐦∙𝐑
lb 144in2
PV 75 2 × (15ft3 )
in 1ft2
m = RT = ft∙lbf
25.8 (80+460)R
lbm∙R
𝐦 = 𝟏𝟏. 𝟔𝟐𝟕 𝐥𝐛𝐦

c) For T2
Q = mcv (T2 − T1 )
Btu
30 Btu = 11.627 lbm (0.3695 lbm∙R) (T2 − 80)R
T2 = 86.98 ℉ + 460
𝐓𝟐 = 𝟓𝟒𝟕 𝐑
For P2
P2 T2 P1 T2 75psia (547 R)
= ; P2 = = (80+460)R
P1 T 1 T 1
𝐏𝟐 = 𝟕𝟔 𝐩𝐬𝐢𝐚

ENGR. EDMIL JHON B. ARIQUES – THERMODYNAMICS 1 8

2. The gage pressure of an automobile tire is measured to be 210 kPa before a trip and 220 kPa
after the trip at a location where the atmospheric pressure is 95 kPa. Assuming the volume of
the tire remains constant and the air temperature before the trip is 25℃, determine air
temperature in the tire after the trip.
Solution:
P1 V1 P V
= T2 2 @ V = C
T1 2
P
T2 = P2 T1 → working equation
1
Solving for T1 , P1 and P2
T1 = 25℃ + 273 = 298 K
P1 = Pgage + Patm = 210 kPag + 95 kPa = 305 kPa
P1 = Pgage + Patm = 220 kPag + 95 kPa = 315 kPa
Solving for T2
P2 315 kPa
T2 = T = (298K)
P1 1 305 kPa
T2 = 307.8 K − 273
𝐓𝟐 = 𝟑𝟒. 𝟖℃
3. A 400-L rigid tank contains 5 kg of air at 25℃. Determine the reading on the pressure gage
if the atmospheric pressure is 97 kPa.
Solution:
Pgage = P − Patm → working equation
Solving for absolute pressure, P
PV = mRT
kPa∙m3
mRT 5 kg (0.287 )(25+273)K
kg∙K
P= V
= 1m3
400L×
1000 L
P = 1069.075 kPa
Pgage = P − Patm = 1069.075 kPa − 97 kPa
𝐏𝐠𝐚𝐠𝐞 = 𝟗𝟕𝟐. 𝟏 𝐤𝐏𝐚

4. A 3ft3 container is filled with 2-lbm of oxygen at a pressure of 80 psia. What is the
temperature of the oxygen?
Solution:
PV
PV = mRT; T = mR → working equation
Solving for R,
ft∙lbf
Ru 1545 ft∙lbf
lbmol∙R
R= = lbm = 48.28 lbm∙R
M 32
lbmol

ENGR. EDMIL JHON B. ARIQUES – THERMODYNAMICS 1 9

 Solving for Temperature, T
lbf 144in2
PV 80 ( )(3ft3 )
in2 1ft2
T = mR = [ ft∙lbf ]
2 lbm 48.28
lbm∙R

𝐓 = 𝟑𝟓𝟕. 𝟗𝟏𝟐 𝐑
5. A spherical balloon with a diameter of 9 m is filled with helium at 27℃ and 200 kPa.
Determine the mole number and the mass of the helium in the balloon.
Solution:
PV = nR u T
PV
n= → working equation
Ru T
Solving for V,
4 4 d 3 4 9m 3
V = 3 πr 3 = 3 π ( 2) = 3 π ( ) = 381.70m3
2
Solving for mole number, n
200 kPa(381.70m3 )
n= kPa∙m3
8.314 (27+273)K
kmol∙K
𝐧 = 𝟑𝟎. 𝟔𝟏 𝐤𝐦𝐨𝐥
Solving for the mass of helium, m
kg
m = nM = 30.61 kmol (4.0 kmol)
𝐦 = 𝟏𝟐𝟑 𝐤𝐠
6. Argon in the amount of 1.5 kg fills a 0.04m3 piston cylinder device at 550 kPa. The piston is
now moved by changing the weights until the volume is twice its original size. During this
process, argon’s temperature is maintained constant. Determine the final pressure in the device.
Solution:
P1 V1 P2 V2
= @T=C
T1 T2
P1 V1 = P2 V2
P V
P2 = V1 1 → working equation
2
Where: V2 = 2 V1
P1 V1 P1 V1 P1 550 kPa
P2 = = = =
V2 2V1 2 2
𝐏𝟐 = 𝟐𝟕𝟓 𝐤𝐏𝐚

ENGR. EDMIL JHON B. ARIQUES – THERMODYNAMICS 1 10

 7. A rigid tank contains 20 lbm of air at 20 psia and 70℉. More air is added to the tank until
the pressure and temperature rise to 35 psia and 90℉, respectively. Determine the
amount of air added to the tank.
Solution:
madded = m2 − m1 = m2 − 20 → working equation
For m2
P V
m2 = RT2 → equation 1
2
Solving for V,
P1 V = m1 RT1
ft∙lbf
m1 RT1 20 lbm (53.34 )(70+460)R
lbm∙R
V= = lbf 144in2
P1 20 2 ( )
in 1ft2
V = 196.32ft 3
Substituting the value of V to equation 1,
lbf 144in2
P2 V 35 2 ( )(196.32ft3 )
in 1ft2
m2 = = ft∙lbf
RT2 (53.34 )(90+460)R
lbm∙R
m2 = 33.73 lbm
madded = m2 − m1 = 33.73 lbm − 20 lbm
𝐦𝐚𝐝𝐝𝐞𝐝 = 𝟏𝟑. 𝟕𝟑 𝐥𝐛𝐦

8. Argon contained in a closed, rigid tank, initially at 50℃, 2 bar (200 kPa), and a volume of
2m3 , is heated to a final pressure of 8 bar (800 kPa). Assuming the ideal gas model with k =
1.67 for the argon, determine the final temperature, in ℃, and the heat transfer, in kJ.
Solution:
kJ
Gas constant, R, for Argon is 0.2081 kg∙K
Solving for final temperature, T2
T2 P T1 P2 (50℃+273)K(800 kPa)
= P2 ; T2 = =
T1 1 P1 200 kPa
T2 = 1292K − 273
𝐓𝟐 = 𝟏𝟎𝟏𝟗℃
Solving for Heat Transfer, Q
Q = mcv (T2 − T1 ) → working equation
Solving for mass of argon, m
kN
P1 V1 200 (2m3 )
m2
m= = kN−m
RT1 0.2081 (50+273)K
kg∙K
m = 5.95 kg

ENGR. EDMIL JHON B. ARIQUES – THERMODYNAMICS 1 11

 Solving for specific heat, 𝑐𝑣
kJ
R 0.2081 kJ
kg∙K
cv = k−1 = = 0.31
1.67−1 kg∙K

Substituting the values of mass and specific heat to working equation,

kJ
Q = mcv (T2 − T1 ) = 5.95 kg (0.31 ) (1019 − 50)K
kg∙K
𝐐 = 𝟏𝟕𝟖𝟕. 𝟑𝟐 𝐤𝐉

9. Ten kg of hydrogen (H2 ), initially at 20℃, fills a closed, rigid tank. Heat transfer to the
hydrogen occurs at the rate of 400 W for one hour. Assuming the ideal gas model with k =
1.405 for the hydrogen, determine its final temperature in ℃.
Solution:
kJ
Gas constant, R, for Hydrogen is 4.1240 kg∙K
Q = mcv (T2 − T1 )
Q
T2 = + T1 → working equation
mcv
Solving for heat transfer Q in kJ
From Rated Power, P = 400 W
Q
P=
t
Where:
P = power in kilowatts
t = seconds
kJ
1kW 1 3600sec
sec
Q = Pt = 400W × 1000W × 1kW × × 1hr
1hr
Q = 1400 kJ
Solving for specific heat, cv
kJ
R 4.120 kJ
kg∙K
cv = k−1 = = 10.173
1.405−1 kg∙K
Substituting the value of heat transfer and other data to working equation,
Q 1400 kJ
T2 = + T1 = kJ + (20℃ + 273)K
mcv 10 kg(10.173 )
kg∙K

T2 = 306.76 K − 273
𝐓𝟐 = 𝟑𝟑. 𝟕𝟔 ℃

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