Contextualization
Physics, as a science, aims to explain in a coherent and systematic way the natural phenomena. Among the multiple facets of Physics, there is Thermodynamics, a branch that studies the principles governing the interactions between different physical systems, including gases.
One of the branches of study in thermodynamics is the so-called 'Gas Transformations'. Gas transformations are modifications that occur in a gas subject to variations in pressure, volume, temperature, and quantity of molecules. The laws that describe such transformations are fundamental to understanding the behavior of gases and are cornerstones for a deeper study of thermodynamics.
Importance
The study of gas transformations is essential because its application is vast in our daily lives and in industrial processes. The tire pressure of a car, the operation of a pressure cooker, food refrigeration, and temperature control of environments are clear examples of how gas transformations are present in our daily lives.
They are also critical in industrial and technological sectors, such as the oil and aerospace industries. A complete understanding of these processes is crucial to drive innovation and ensure safety in these areas. Therefore, the understanding of gas transformations is not only academic but has important practical applications in the world around us.
Practical Activity
Activity Title: Compression and Expansion: A practical study of Gas Transformations
Project Objective
The objective of this project is to carry out practical experiments that illustrate the main gas transformations: isothermal, isobaric, and isovolumetric. Group work will be essential to collect and analyze data, discuss results, and produce a final report.
Project Description
Students, in groups of 3 to 5, will carry out three experiments that exemplify gas transformations. Each experiment will focus on one of the transformations (isothermal, isobaric, and isovolumetric). Over the course of a month, students must conduct the experiments, collect and organize data, discuss the results, and finally, produce a detailed report.
Required Materials
- Balloon
- Air pump to inflate the balloon
- Barometer
- Thermometer
- Tape measure
- Wooden board
- Heavy books
Step by Step
1. First Experiment: Isothermal Transformation
In this transformation, students need to keep the gas temperature constant.
a) Inflate the balloon to a medium size and measure the local temperature.
b) Increase the volume of the gas in the balloon with the air pump and measure the pressure with the barometer.
c) Repeat the procedure, always maintaining the same temperature.
2. Second Experiment: Isobaric Transformation
In this transformation, students need to keep the pressure constant.
a) Inflate the balloon to a medium size and measure the pressure with the barometer.
b) Increase the temperature of the gas in the balloon (this can be done by placing the balloon in the sun, for example) and measure the volume increase with the tape measure.
c) Repeat the procedure, always maintaining the same pressure.
3. Third Experiment: Isovolumetric Transformation
For this transformation, students need to keep the volume constant.
a) Inflate the balloon to a medium size and measure the pressure with the barometer.
b) Place the balloon between the wooden board and the heavy books, in order to keep the volume constant.
c) Increase the temperature of the gas in the balloon (this can be done using a hairdryer, for example) and measure the pressure with the barometer.
d) Repeat the procedure, always maintaining the same volume.
Project Delivery
The final product will be a detailed report containing:
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Introduction: The student must contextualize the theme, its relevance, and application in the real world, as well as the objective of this project.
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Development: The student must explain the theory behind the central theme of the project, explain the activities in detail, indicate the methodology used, and finally, present and discuss the results obtained.
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Conclusion: The student must conclude the work by summarizing its main points, explaining the learnings obtained, and the conclusions drawn from the project.
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Bibliography: The student must indicate the sources they relied on to work on the project such as books, web pages, videos, etc.
Students must ensure that the description of the activities carried out is clear and detailed enough. All data collected during the experiments must be presented and discussed. The report must have a solid conclusion section, where students will reflect on the actions taken, the objectives achieved, and the skills learned.
