TD-Peer Discussion - Session-1

The meeting focused on thermodynamics, covering various concepts and problem-solving techniques across multiple sessions. Topics discussed included basic principles, laws of thermodynamics, reversible and irreversible processes, compressibility factors, and applications in chemical reactions. The sessions involved explanations of key concepts, demonstrations of problem-solving methods, and discussions of exam-related questions, with participants actively engaging through questions and clarifications.

Karthikeyan led a session on thermodynamics, covering topics such as PV diagrams, basic concepts, entropy, and the first and second laws of thermodynamics in the first term. In the second term, they will focus on topics like fugacity, partial molar properties, and activity coefficients. Karthikeyan explained that 10 questions in the exam would be based on these concepts, with five questions from the first term's material and the remaining from the second term's topics.

Karthikeyan led a discussion on thermodynamics, covering basic concepts and solving problems related to irreversible and reversible processes. He explained the difference between irreversible and reversible processes, emphasizing that in irreversible processes, the external pressure is constant, while in reversible processes, the internal pressure is in equilibrium with the external pressure. Karthikeyan also discussed the use of integrals in reversible processes to find maximum work and highlighted the importance of logical reasoning in solving thermodynamic problems. The session included practice problems on work done by gases, isothermal processes, and constant volume processes, with Karthikeyan providing explanations and clarifications as needed.

The discussion focused on thermodynamics concepts, particularly around pressure differences and work done in reversible processes. Arputhaselvi explained that if the external pressure is 0 (like in a vacuum), the work done would be 0, while Karthikeyan demonstrated how to calculate density using the compressibility factor formula. The group also discussed converting between gauge pressure and absolute pressure units, with Arputhaselvi explaining that gauge pressure in psi must be converted to absolute pressure by adding atmospheric pressure (14.7 psi). The conversation concluded with a detailed explanation of how to calculate the dryness fraction in a two-phase mixture using volume data and the relationship between initial and critical states.

The discussion focused on understanding the relationship between compressibility factors and the application of adiabatic process formulas. Karthikeyan explained that while the compressibility factor formula cannot be directly applied to find a linear relationship between different states due to its curved nature, the key to solving such problems lies in memorizing relevant formulas and understanding how pressure, volume, and temperature vary in adiabatic processes. The group also clarified that for irreversible adiabatic processes, the work done can be calculated by multiplying the work required for reversible compression by 1.5, and the actual temperature change during such processes can be determined using the adiabatic process equation.

Karthikeyan explained the process of finding the area under a curve and subtracting specific areas to solve a problem related to internal energy and state functions. He also discussed finding the area under an ABC triangle by subtracting the areas of two smaller triangles and using this to determine pressure. Karthikeyan encouraged participants to work on the problem and share their solutions in the next discussion. The group then moved on to discuss GATE questions, with Karthikeyan asking for explanations on how to approach a problem involving the compressibility factor for steam.

Karthikeyan explains how to solve a problem involving the compressibility factor of a gas using reduced properties and critical values. He then discusses a chemical reaction problem involving carbon monoxide and oxygen, explaining how to calculate the final pressure in a rigid vessel using energy balance and the ideal gas law. Arputhaselvi and Jeevitha ask clarifying questions throughout the discussion. The session concludes with Karthikeyan suggesting that they will cover additional problems in the next class.