Me 6301 Engineering Thermodynamics Short Questions and Answers

ME 6301
ENGINEERING
THERMODYNAMICS
[FOR THIRD SEMESTER B.E MECHANICAL
ENGINEERING STUDENTS]
COMPILED BY
BIBIN.C
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR
DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
RMK COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY
GUMMIDIPOONDI TALUK
TIRUVALLUR DIST
ME 6301 - ENGINEERING THERMODYNAMICS

UNIT I - BASIC CONCEPT AND FIRST LAW
1. What is meant by Thermodynamics?
Thermodynamics is the science of energy transfer and its effects on physical
properties of substances.
2. Define the term thermal engineering.
Thermal engineering is the science that deals with the energy transfer to practical
applications such as energy transfer power generation, refrigeration, gas compression and
its effect on the properties of working substance.
3. What is meant by Macroscopic approach in thermodynamics?
Macroscopic thermodynamics deals with the effects of the action of many molecules
concerned.
4. What is Microscopic (or) Statistical thermodynamics?
Microscopic approach in thermodynamics deals with the study of the behaviour of
the system by summing up the behaviour of each molecule
5. The two approaches by which the behaviour of matter can be studied in
thermodynamics are ................. and ........................
[Ans: Macroscopic, Microscopic]
6. Give few applications of thermodynamic laws and principles:
The laws and principles are applied in the steam and nuclear power plants, IC
engines, Gas turbines, refrigeration etc.
7. What is thermodynamic medium?
A matter of growing material chosen for the conversion of one form of energy into
another is called thermodynamic medium.
COMPILED BY BIBIN, AP/MECH, RMKCET
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8. What is meant by thermodynamic system?
Thermodynamic system is defined as the any space or matter or group of matter
where the energy transfer or energy conversions are studied.
OR
A thermodynamic system is defined as a quantity of matter or a region in space, on
which the analysis of the problem is concentrated.
9. How do you classify thermodynamic system?
It may be classified into three types.
i. Closed system (only energy transfer and no mass transfer)
ii. Open system (Both energy and mass transfer)
iii. Isolated system (No mass and energy transfer)
10. What is meant by closed system? Give an example.
When a system has only heat and work transfer, but there is no mass transfer, it is
called as closed system.
Example:
Piston and cylinder arrangement.

Compression of a gas in a piston -. cylinder arrangement.
11. What is meant by open system? Give an example.

When a system has both mass and energy transfer it is called as open system.
Example:
Air Compressor.
12. What is meant by isolated system? Give an example.

Isolated system is not affected by surroundings. There is no heat; work and mass
transfer take place. In this system total energy remains constant.
Example:
Entire Universe
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13. Differentiate closed and open system.
Closed System
Open System
1. There is no mass transfer. Only heat 1. Mass transfer will take place, in
and work will transfer.
addition to the heat and work transfer.
2. System boundary is fixed one
2. System boundary may or may not

change.
3.
Example:
Piston
&
cylinder 3. Example: Air compressor, boiler
arrangement, Thermal power plant

14. Explain homogeneous and heterogeneous system.
The system consist of single phase is called homogeneous system and the system
consist of more than one phase is called heterogeneous system.
15. What is boundary?
System and surroundings are separated by an imaginary line is called boundary.
16. What is meant by surroundings?
Any other matter outside the system boundary is called as surroundings.
17. What is universe ?
A system and its surroundings together is called an universe.
18. What are the various types of open system?
The types of open system are:
i.
ii.
Steady fiow system

Unsteady flow system.
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19. In an isolated system, the total energy of the system............................
Ans: remains constant.
20. What is meant by control volume?
Control volume is an imaginary region within which interactions are studied.
21. What is known as control surface?
The boundary of the control volume is called as control surface.
22. Define change of state of a system
Any process in which one or more of the properties of the system changes is
called change of state.
23. What is meant by thermodynamic property?
Thermodynamic property is any characteristic of a substance which is used to
identify the state of the system and can be measured, when the system remains in an
equilibrium state.
24. How do you classify the property?
Thermodynamic property can be classified into two types.
i.
Intensive or Intrinsic property
ii.
Extensive and Extrinsic property
25. What is meant by intensive or intrinsic property? Give an example.

The properties which are independent on the mass of the system is called intensive
properties.
Example: Pressure, Temperature, Specific Volume etc.
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26. What is meant by extensive or extrinsic property? Give an example.
The properties which are dependent on the mass of the system are called extensive
properties.
Example: Total energy, Total volume, weight etc.
27. Differentiate Intensive and Extensive properties
Intensive Properties
Extensive Properties
1. Independent on the mass of the Dependent on the mass of the system.

system
2. If we consider part of the system these If we consider part of the system it will
properties remain same.
Example:
pressure,
have a lesser value.

Temperature Example: Total energy, Total volume,
specific volume etc.,
weight etc.,
3. Extensive property/mass is known as intensive property

28. What do you understand by equilibrium of a system?
When a system remains in equilibrium state, it should not undergo any charges to
its own accord.
29. Define thermodynamic equilibrium.
If a system is in Mechanical, Thermal and Chemical Equilibrium then the system is in
thermodynamically equilibrium.
OR
If the system is isolated from its surrounding there will be no change in the
macroscopic property, then the system is said to exist in a state of thermodynamic
equilibrium.
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30. What are the conditions for thermodynamic equilibrium?
The system in thermodynamic equilibrium must essentially be in
i.
Mechanical Equilibrium
ii.
Thermal equilibrium
iii.
Chemical equilibrium
31. What is meant by thermodynamic equilibrium?

When a system is in thermodynamic equilibrium, it should satisfy the following
three conditions.
i.
Mechanical Equilibrium: - Pressure remains constant
ii.
Thermal equilibrium: - Temperature remains constant
iii.
Chemical equilibrium: There is no chemical reaction.
32. Explain Mechanical equilibrium.

If the forces are balanced between the system and surroundings are called
Mechanical equilibrium
33. Explain Chemical equilibrium.
If there is no chemical reaction or transfer of matter form one part of the system to
another is called Chemical equilibrium
34. Explain Thermal equilibrium.
If the temperature difference between the system and surroundings is zero then it is
in Thermal equilibrium.
35. Define nuclear equilibrium
A system is said to be in nuclear equilibrium when nuclear reactions such as fusion,
fission reaction does not cause any change.
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36. Define magnetic equilibrium
A system is said to be in magnetic equilibrium when the magnetisation and
demagnetisation effects do not change its properties
37. when there is uniform pressure at all points of the system, then it is said to be
in .........
Ans: Mechanical equilibrium
38. When a system wiII be in a state of thermodynamic equilibrium?
A system is said to exist in a state of thermodynamic equilibrium, when no change in
any microscopic property is registered, if the system is isolated from the surroundings.
39. Define continuum
The Atomie structure of a substance is disregarded in classical thermodynamics and
the substance is viewed to be a continuous, homogenous matter without microscopic holes.
This concept is called as continuum.
40. Define the term process
It is defined as the change of state undergone by a gas due to energy flow.
41. Define the term thermodynamic Cycle
When a system undergoes a series of processes and return to its initial condition, it
is known as thermodynamic cycle.
42. What is meant by open cycle?
In an open cycle, the same working substance will be exhausted to the surroundings
after expansion.
43. What is meant by closed cycle?
In a closed cycle, the same working substance will recalculates again and again.
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44. What is meant by reversible process?
A process is said to be reversible, it should trace the same path in the reverse
direction when the process is reversed. It is possible only when the system passes through
a continuous series of equilibrium state.
45. What is meant by irreversible process?
If a system does not pass through continuous equilibrium state, then the process is
said to be irreversible.
46. What is Quasi Static process?
The process is said to be quasi static, it should proceed infinitesimally slow and
follows continuous series of equilibrium states. A quasi- static process is that a succession
of equilibrium states. A quasi-static process is also called as reversible process.
47. State True or False:

Quasi static process is also called as Reversible process.
[Ans: True]
48. What is meant by Point function?
The quantity which is independent on the process or path followed by the system is
known as point functions.
Example:
Pressure, volume, temperature, etc.,
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49. What is meant by Path function?
The quantities which are dependent on the process or path followed by the system
is known as path functions.
Example:
Heat transfer, work transfer.
50. Define absolute pressure

The total algebric sum of the atmospherie pressure and gauge pressure is called
absolute pressure.
51. What is gauge pressure?
The pressure measured above the atmospherie pressure gauge pressure.
52. Define atmospheric pressure
Pressure exerted by air on a column of 760 mm of mercury is called atmospherie
pressure.
53. What is meant by state of a system?
State is an unique condition of the system and at equilibrium. It can be identified by
its properties, such as pressure, volume.
54. Define path of change of state
The succession equilibrium states passed through, is called the path of change of
state.
55. Define energy
Energy of system is the ability or capacity to do work.
56. Define stored energy
Energy possessed by a system within its boundaries is called stored energy.
Example:
Potential energy.
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57. Define power
The rate of energy transfer is called power.
58. Define transit energy
Energy possessed by a system which is capable of crossing its boundaries is.caIled
transit energy.
Example:
Heat energy, Electrical energy'.
59. Define internal energy

Energy possessed by a substance due to its molecular arrangement and. motion of
its molecules is called internal energy.
60. What is meant by thermodynamic work?
A thermodynamic work is said to be do ne by a system if its sole effect outside its
boundary is equivalent to raising a weight against the force of gravity.
61. What is meant by thermodynamic work?
It is the work done by the system when the energy transferred across the boundary
of the system. It is mainly due to intensive property difference between the system and
surroundings.
62.What is the work done in a closed system in terms pressure and volume?
Workdone = Pdv.
63. Work done by a system is.............
Ans: Positive.
64. Work done on a system is ...............
Ans: Negative
65. Heat supplied to the system is......................
Ans: Positive.
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66. Heat rejected by the system is....................
Ans: Negative
Heat and work are not properties of the system.
Ans: True
During all adiabatic process, the change in internal energy is equal to work done.
Ans: True
During an isothermal process, the net heat interchange is el to the work done by the
system.
Ans: True
70. Work done is a ------------------- function.
Ans: Path
71. Define specific heat
The heat required by a'unit mass of a substanee to raise its temperature by one
degree is called the specific heat of subs.tance
Unit:
kJ I kg I K.
72. Define Latent heat

Latent heat is the amount of energy required to convert liquid completely into
vapour per unit mass of a substance at a given pressure.
73. Explain Zeroth Law of thermodynamics?
Zeroth law of thermodynamics states that when two systems are separately in
thermal equilibrium with a third system, then they themselves is in thermal equilibrium
with each other.
74.
Zeroth law is the basic of ................. measurement.

Ans: Temperature
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75. State the law of conservation of energy
Energy can neither be created nor destroyed, but it can be transferred from one
form to another.
76. State the First law of thermodynamics
First law of thermodynamics states that when system undergoes a cyclic process the
net heat transfer is equal to work transfer.
77. What are the limitations of first law of thermodynamics?
a. According to first law of thermodynamics heat and work are mutually convertible
during any cycle of a closed system. But this law does not specify the possible
conditions under which the heat is converted into work.
b. According to the first law of thermodynamics it is impossible to transfer heat from
lower temperature to higher temperature.
c. It does not give any information regarding change of state or whether the process is
possible or not.
d. The law does not specify the direction of heat and work.
78. Define the term enthalpy?
The Combination of internal energy and flow energy is known as enthalpy of the
system. It may also be defined as the total heat of the substance.
Mathematically,
Enthalpy (H) = U + p v ..KJ
Where, U internal energy
p Pressure
v Volume
In terms of Cp & T H = m Cp (T2-T1) KJ
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79. Give the general gas energy equations.
dH = dE + dW.
80. Define the term internal energy
Internal energy of a gas is the energy stored in a gas due to its molecular
interactions. It is also defined as the energy possessed by a gas at a given temperature.
81. Define Heat.
Heat is the energy crossing the boundary due to the temperature difference
between the system and surroundings.
82. Define Specific heat capacity at constant pressure.
It is defined as the amount of heat energy required to raise or lower the
temperature of unit mass of the substance through one degree when the pressure kept
constant. It is denoted by CP.
83. Define Specific heat capacity at constant volume.
It is defined as the amount of heat energy required to raise or lower the
temperature of unit mass of the substance through one degree when volume kept constant.
It is denoted by CV.
84. What do you understand by pure substance?
A pure substance is defined as one that is homogeneous and invariable in chemical
composition throughout its mass.
85. Define entropy of a pure substance.
Entropy is an important thermodynamic property, which increases with addition of
heat and decreases with its removal. Entropy is a function of temperature only. It is an
unavailability of energy during energy transfer.
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86. Define perpetual motion machine (PMM) of first kind
PMM of first kind delivers work continuously without any input. It violates first law
of thermodynamics, it is impossible to construct an engine working with this principle.
OR
It is defined as a machine, which produces work energy without consuming an
equivalent of energy from other source. It is impossible to obtain in actual practice,
because no machine can produce energy of its own without consuming any other form of
energy.
87. What is Perpetual motion machine of the second kind?
A heat engine, which converts whole of the heat energy into mechanical work, is
known as Perpetual motion machine of the second kind.
OR
Perpetual motion machine of second kind draws heat continuously from single
reservoir and converts it into equivalent amount of work. Thus it gives 100% efficiency.
88. Work transfer is equal to heat transfer in case of ________ process.
Isothermal process
89. Define an isentropic process.
Isentropic process is also called as reversible adiabatic process. It is a process
which follows the law of pVy = C is known as isentropic process. During this process
entropy remains constant and no heat enters or leaves the gas.
90. Explain the throttling process.
When a gas or vapour expands and flows through an aperture of small size, the
process is called as throttling process.
91. Define free expansion process.
When a gas expands suddenly into a vacuum through a large orifice is known as free
expansion process.
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92. Write down the characteristic gas equation.
Characteristic gas equation is pV = mRT
Where, p = pressure
V = Volume
R = Characteristic gas constant
T = Temperature.
93. What is meant by steady flow process?
During the process the rate of flow of mass and energy across the boundary remains
constant, is known as steady flow process.
OR
Steady flow means that the rates of flow of mass and energy across the control
surface are constant.
94. What is the difference between steady flow and non flow process?
During the steady flow process the rate of flow of mass and energy across the
boundary remains constant.
In case of non flow across the system and boundary.
95. Indicate the practical application of steady flow energy equation.
i.
Turbine
ii.
Nozzle
iii.
Condenser
iv.
Compressor
v.
Pump
96. Work done in a free expansion process is _________

Ans: Zero
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97. Explain entropy.
It is an important thermodynamic property of the substance. It is the measure of
molecular disorder. It is denoted by S. The measurement of change in entropy for
reversible process is obtained by the quantity of heat received or rejected to absolute
temperature.
98. What are the important characteristics of entropy?
i.
If the heat is supplied to the system then the entropy will increase.
ii.
If the heat is rejected to the system then the entropy will decrease.
iii.
The entropy is constant for all adiabatic frictionless process.
iv.
The entropy increases if temperature of heat is lowered without work being

done as in throttling process.
v.
If the entropy is maximum, then there is a minimum availability for

conversion in to work.
vi.
If the entropy is minimum then there is a maximum availability for

conversion into work.
99. Name and explain the two types of properties.

The two types of properties are intensive property and extensive property.
Intensive Property: It is independent of the mass of the system.
Example:
pressure, temperature, specific volume, specific energy, density.
Extensive Property: It is dependent on the mass of the system.

Example:
Volume, energy. If the mass is increased, the values of the extensive
properties also increase.

100.
Which property is constant during throttling?

Enthalpy
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101.
If in the equation PVn = C, the value of n = then the process is called _______
Constant Volume process
102.
The polytropic index (n) is given by ________

n = ln (P2/P1)/ ln (V1/V2)
103. Prove that for an isolated system, there is no change in internal energy.
In isolated system there is no interaction between the system and the surroundings.
There is no mass transfer and energy transfer.
According to first law of thermodynamics as
dQ = dU + dW;
dU = dQ - dW;
dQ = 0,
dW = 0,
Therefore dU = 0 by integrating the above equation U = constant, therefore the
internal energy is constant for isolated system.
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UNIT II - SECOND LAW AND AVAILABILITY ANALYSIS
1. State the Kelvin Plank statement of second law of thermodynamics
Kelvin Plank states that it is impossible to construct a heat engine working on
cyclic process, whose only purpose is to convert all the heat energy given to it into an equal
amount of work.
OR
It is impossible to construct a heat engine to produce network in a complete cycle if
it exchanges heat from a single reservoir at single fixed temperature.
2. State Clausius statement of second law of thermodynamics.
It states that heat can flow from hot body to cold without any external aid but heat
cannot flow from cold body to hot body without any external aid.
OR
It is impossible for a self-acting machine working in a cyclic process, to transfer heat
from a body at lower temperature to a body at a higher temperature without the aid of an
external agency.
3. State Carnot theorem.
It states that no heat engine operating in a cycle between two constant temperature
heat reservoirs can be more efficient than a reversible engine operating between the same
reservoirs.
4. What is absolute entropy(Third law of Thermodynamics)?
The entropy measured for all perfect crystalline solids at absolute zero temperature
is known as absolute entropy.
5. What are the Corollaries of Carnot theorem?

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i.
In all reversible engine operating between the two given thermal reservoirs
with fixed temperature, have the same efficiency.
ii.
The efficiency of any reversible heat engine operating between two

reservoirs is independent of the nature of the working fluid and depends
only on the temperature of the reservoirs.
6. Define Heat pump.

A heat pump is a device, which is working in a cycle and transfers heat from lower
temperature to higher temperature.
7. Define Heat engine.
Heat engine is a machine, which is used to convert the heat energy into mechanical
work in a cyclic process.
OR
A heat engine is a device which is used to convert the thermal energy into
mechanical energy.
8. What are the assumptions made on heat engine?
i.
The source and sink are maintained at constant temperature.
ii.
The source and sink has infinite heat capacity.
9. What is the difference between a heat pump and a refrigerator?

Heat pump is a device which operating in cyclic process, maintains the temperature
of a hot body at a temperature higher than the temperature of surroundings.
A refrigerator is a device which operating in a cyclic process, maintains the
temperature of a cold body at a temperature lower than the temperature of the
surroundings.
10. Define the term COP?
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Co-efficient of performance is defined as the ratio of heat extracted or rejected to
work input.
COP =
Heat extracted or Rejected

Work input
11. Write the expression for COP of a heat pump and a refrigerator?
T2
T2 T1
COP of Refrigerator (COP) REF =
T1
T2 T1
COP of heat pump (COP) HP
12. What is the relation between COPHP and COP ref?
(COP) HP = (COP) REF 1

13. Why Carnot cycle cannot be realized in practical?
i.
In a Carnot cycle all the four processes are reversible but in actual practice there
is no process is reversible.
ii.
There are two processes to be carried out during compression and expansion.
For isothermal process the piston moves very slowly and for adiabatic process
the piston moves as fast as possible. This speed variation during the same
stroke of the piston is not possible.
iii.
It is not possible to avoid friction moving parts completely.
14. Name two alternative methods by which the efficiency of a Carnot cycle can be
increased.
i.
Efficiency can be increased as the higher temperature T2 increases.
ii.
Efficiency can be increased as the lower temperature T1 decreases.
15. Why a heat engine cannot have 100% efficiency?

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For all the heat engines there will be a heat loss between system and surroundings.
Therefore we cant convert all the heat input into useful work.
16. When will be the Carnot cycle efficiency is maximum?
Carnot cycle efficiency is maximum when the initial temperature is 0K.
17. What are the processes involved in Carnot cycle.
Carnot cycle consist of
i.
Reversible isothermal compression
ii.
Isentropic compression
iii.
Reversible isothermal expansion
iv.
Isentropic expansion
18. Write the expression for efficiency of the Carnot cycle.
Carnot =
T2 T1
T2
19. What are the limitations of Carnot cycle?

i.
No friction is considered for moving parts of the engine.
ii.
There should not be any heat loss.
20. Define availability.

The maximum useful work obtained during a process in which the final condition of
the system is the same as that of the surrounding is called availability of the system.
21. Define available energy and unavailable energy.
Available energy is the maximum thermal useful work under ideal condition. The
remaining part, which cannot be converted into work, is known as unavailable energy.
22. Explain the term source and sink.
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Source is a thermal reservoir, which supplies heat to the system and sink is a
thermal reservoir, which takes the heat from the system.
23. What do you understand by the entropy principle?
The entropy of an isolated system can never decrease. It always increases and
remains constant only when the process is reversible. This is known as principle of
increase in entropy or entropy principle.
24. Power requirement of a refrigerator is _________
Ans: Inversely proportional to cop
25. In SI Units, one ton of refrigeration is equal to __________
Ans: 210KJ/min
26. The capacity of a domestic refrigerator is in the range of __________
Ans: 0.1 to 0.3 tonnes.
27. The vapour compression refrigerator employs the __________cycle
Ans: Reversed Carnot
28. In vapour compression cycle the condition of refrigerant is dry saturated vapour
________
Ans: Before entering the compressor
29. Define the unit for refrigeration
Unit of refrigeration is expressed in terms of tonne of refrigeration (TR). A tonne of
refrigeration is defined as the quantity of heat required to be removed form one tonne of
water at 0oC to convert into ice at 0oC in 24 hours.
30. What is the unit of refrigeration?

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The capacity of refrigeration is expressed in tonnes of refrigeration (TOR).
1 tonnes of refrigeration = 210 kJ/min (or) = 3.5 kJ/sec (kW)
A tonne of refrigeration is defined as the quantity of heat to be removed in order to
form one tonne of ice at 0oC in 24 hours.
31. Define refrigeration effect.
The amount of heat extracted in a given time is known as refrigeration effect.
32. What is the refrigeration effect of the refrigerant?
Refrigeration effect is the total heat removed from the evaporator by the refrigerant.
It is called as Tonne of Refrigeration of kW.
33. Define COP of refrigeration.
The COP of a refrigeration system is the ratio of net refrigeration effect to the
work required to produce the effect.
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UNIT III - PROPERTIES OF PURE SUBSTANCE AND STEAM POWER CYCLE
PROPERTIES OF PURE SUBSTANCES
1. Define pure substance
A pure substanee is a homogenous and invariable chemical composition through
out the mass.
2. What is Triple point?
The point at which Solid, liquid and vapour phases are equilibrium is called as
triple point.
OR
The triple point is merely the point of intersection of sublimation and vapourisation
curves.
3. Define enthalpy of steam.
It is the sum of heat added to water from freezing point to saturation temperature
and the heat absorbed during evaporation.
4. Define latent heat of evaporation or Enthalpy of evaporation.
The amount of heat added during heating of water up to dry steam from boiling
point is known as Latent heat of evaporation or enthalpy of evaporation.
5. Explain the term super heated steam and super heating.
The dry steam is further heated its temperature raises, this process is called as
superheating and the steam obtained is known as superheated steam.
6. Explain heat of super heat or super heat enthalpy.
The heat added to dry steam at 1000 C to convert it into super heated steam at the
temperature Tsup is called as heat of superheat or super heat enthalpy.
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7. Define dryness fraction (or) What is the quality of steam?
It is defined as the ratio of mass of the dry steam to the mass of the total steam.
8. Explain the term critical point, critical temperature and critical pressure.
In the T-S diagram the region left of the waterline, the water exists as liquid. In right
of the dry steam line, the water exists as a super heated steam. In between water and dry
steam line the water exists as a wet steam. At a particular point, the water is directly
converted into dry steam without formation of wet steam. The point is called critical point.
The critical temperature is the temperature above which a substance cannot exist as a
liquid; the critical temperature of water is 374.150 C. The corresponding pressure is called
critical pressure.
9. How do you determine the state of steam?
If V>Vg then super heated steam, V= Vg then dry steam and V< Vg then wet steam.
If S>Sg then super heated steam, S= Sg then dry steam and S< Sg then wet steam.
10. Define heat of vapourisation.
The amount of heat required to convert the liquid water completely into vapour
under this condition is called the heat of vapourisation.
11. Explain the terms, Degree of super heat, degree of sub-cooling.
The difference between the temperature of the superheated vapour and the
saturation temperature at the same pressure. The temperature between the saturation
temperature and the temperature in the sub cooled region of liquid.
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STEAM POWER CYCLE
12. Why Rankine cycle is modified?
The work obtained at the end of the expansion is very less. The work is too
inadequate to overcome the friction. Therefore the adiabatic expansion is terminated at
the point before the end of the expansion in the turbine and pressure decreases suddenly,
while the volume remains constant.
13. What are the assumptions made on the analysis of ideal Rankine cycle?
i.
Each component of the working fluid is internally reversible.
ii.
All processes of the working fluid are internally reversible.
iii.
The pump and turbine operate adiabatically.
iv.
Potential and kinetic energy affects are neglected.
v.
Condensate leaves the condenser as saturated liquid.
14. What are the various methods used to improve the efficiency of Rankine cycle?
i.
Increase the boiler pressure (or) Temperature
ii.
Decrease the condenser pressure
iii.
Increase the temperature of steam at superheated condition
iv.
Reheating the steam
v.
Adopting regeneration of steam
15. What are the advantages of reheat cycle?

i.
It increases turbine work
ii.
It increases the efficiency of the plant
iii.
It reduces wear of turbine blades by reducing moisture content in steam.
16. Define specific steam consumption of an ideal Rankine cycle.

It is defined as the mass of steam required per unit power output.
Specific steam consumption = (Steam flow kg/h) / (Power)
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17. What is the effect of reheating the steam on the specific output and the cycle
efficiency?
The specific output and the cycle efficiency are increased due to reheating the steam in
vapour power cycles.
18. What is meant by vapour power cycle? Give some examples
Thermodynamic cycles which uses vapour as the working fluid is called vapour
power cycle.
Example:
Carnot cycle, Rankine cycle.
19. Define efficiency ratio.

The ratio of actual cycle efficiency to that of the ideal cycle efficiency is termed as
efficiency ratio.
20. Define overall efficiency.
It is the ratio of the mechanical work to the energy supplied in the fuel. It is also
defined as the product of combustion efficiency and the cycle efficiency.
21. Define specific steam consumption of an ideal Rankine cycle.
It is defined as the mass flow of steam required per unit power output.
22. Name the different components in steam power plant working on Rankine cycle.
Boiler, Turbine, Cooling Tower or Condenser and Pump.
23. What is meant by work ratio? What is the importance of work ratio in vapour cycles?
Work ratio is defined as the ration of network transfer to the positive work transfer.
Work ratio affects the actual cycle efficiency. Comparing two cycles with the same
ideal efficiency, the cycle having lower work ratio would have smaller actual efficiency.
Higher work ratio, smaller the plant size.
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24. Compare Carnot and Rankine cycles
Carnot cycle
Rankine cycle
1. Lower work ratio
1. Higher work ratio
2. Specific steam consumption is more
2. Specific steam consumption is less
3. Size of the power plant for a given 3. Size of the power plant for a given
output is big
output is small
4. Higher thermal efficiency
4. Lower thermal efficiency
25. What is the function of feed water heater?

The main function of feed water heater is to increase the temperature of feed water
to the saturation temperature corresponding to the boiler pressure before it enters into the
boiler.
26. Why reheat cycle is not used for low boiler pressure?
At low boiler pressure the reheat cycle efficiency may be less than the Rankine cycle
efficiency. This may be due to the lower temperature during heating.
27. What are the advantages of vapour power cycles over gas power cycle?
i.
The isothermal heat transfer is possible in condenser and evaporator
ii.
The work ratio is high compared to the gas power cycle.
28. Why carnot cycle cannot be realised in practice for vapour power cycles?
The main difficulty to attain the cycle in practice is that isothermal condensation is
stopped before it reaches to saturated liquid condition. Therefore the compressor has to
deal with a non-homogeneous mixture of water and steam. Because of the large specific
volume of liquid vapour mixture before compression, the compressor size and work input
have to be large. The higher power requirement reduces the plant efficiency as well as
work ratio.
Page 29

29. What are the effects of condenser pressure in Rankine cycle?
By lowering the condenser pressure, we can increase the cycle efficiency. The main
disadvantage is lowering the backpressure increases the wetness of steam. Isentropic
compression of a very wet vapour is very difficult.
30. What are the disadvantages of bleeding?
Cost of the plant increased and the work done per kg is reduced which results in
higher boiler capacity for given output.
31. What are the advantages of bleeding?
i.
It increases the thermodynamic efficiency as the heat of the bled steam is not
lost in the condenser but is utilized in feed water heating
ii.
By bleeding, the volume flow at the low-pressure end is considerably reduced,

this reduces the design difficulties of blades, and also condenser size is reduced.
32. Mention the improvements made to increase the ideal efficiency of Rankine cycle.
i.
Lowering the condenser pressure.
ii.
Superheated steam is supplied to the turbine.
iii.
Increasing the boiler pressure to certain limit.
iv.
Implementing reheat and regeneration in the cycle.
33. What are the effects of condenser pressure on the Rankine Cycle?
By lowering the condenser pressure, we can increase the cycle efficiency. The main
disadvantage is lowering the back pressure increase the wetness of steam. Isentropic
compression of a very wet vapour is very difficult.
34. Why reheat cycle is not used for low boiler pressure?
At the low reheat pressure the heat cycle efficiency may be less than the Rankine
cycle efficiency. Since the average temperature during heating will then be low.
Page 30

35. What are the disadvantages of reheating?
i.
The cost of the plant increases
ii.
It increases the condenser capacity due to increased dryness fraction.
36. What are the advantages of reheat cycle?

i.
It increases the turbine work.
ii.
It increases the heat supply.
iii.
It increases the efficiency of the plant.
iv.
It reduces the wear on the blade because of low moisture content in LP
v.
State of the turbine.
37. What is the purpose of reheating?

The purpose of reheating is to increase the dryness fraction of the steam passing out
of the later stages of the turbine.
Page 31

UNIT IV - IDEAL AND REAL GASES AND THERMODYNAMIC RELATIONS
1. Define Ideal gas.
It is defined as a gas having no forces of intermolecular attraction. These gases will
follow the gas laws at all ranges of pressures and temperatures.
2. Define Real gas.
It is defined, as a gas having the forces of attraction between molecules tends to be
very small at reduced pressures and elevated temperatures.
3. State Boyle's law.
It states that volume of a given mass of a perfect gas varies inversely as the absolute
pressure when temperature is constant.
4. State Charle's law.
It states that if any gas is heated at constant pressure, its volume changes directly as
its absolute temperature.
5. What is equation of state?
The relation between the independent properties such as pressure, specific volume
and temperature for a pure substance is known as the equation of state.
6. Explain law of corresponding states.
If any two gases have equal values of reduced pressure and reduced temperature,
then they have same values of reduced volume.
7. What do you mean by reduced properties?
The ratios of pressure, temperature and specific volume of a real gas to the
corresponding critical values are called the reduced properties.
Page 32

8. What is partial pressure?
The partial pressure of each constituent is that pressure which the gas would exert
if it occupied alone that volume occupied by the mixtures at the same temperature.
9. Define Dalton's law of partial pressure.
The total pressure exerted in a closed vessel containing a number of gases is equal
to the sum of the pressures of each gas and the volume of each gas equal to the volume of
the vessel.
10. Explain Dalton's law of partial pressure.
The pressure of a mixture of gases is equal to the sum of the partial pressures of the
constituents. The partial pressure of each constituent is that pressure which the gas would
expect if it occupied alone that volume occupied by the mixtures at the same temperatures.
m = m A+m B+m C+. = mi
mi = mass of the constituent.
P=P A+P B+P C+. = P i
P i - the partial pressure of a constituent.
11. What is compressibility factor?
The gas equation for an ideal gas is given by (PV/RT) = 1, for real gas (PV/RT) is not
equal to 1 (PV/RT) = Z for real gas is called the compressibility factor.
12. Explain the construction and give the use of generalized compressibility chart.
The general compressibility chart is plotted with Z versus P r for various values of
Tr . This is constructed by plotting the known data of one of mole gases and can be used
for any gas. This chart gives best results for the regions well removed from the critical
state for all gases.
Page 33

13. State Avogardo's Law.
The number of moles of any gas is proportional to the volume of gas at a given
pressure and temperature.
14. What is Joule-Thomson coefficient?
The temperature behaviors of a fluid during a throttling (h=constant) process is
described by the Joule-Thomson coefficient defined as
=[T/P]n
15. How does the Vander Waal's equation differ from the ideal gas equation of state?
The ideal gas equation pV=mRT has two important assumptions,
i.
There is little or no attraction between the molecules of the gas.
ii.
That the volume occupied by the molecules themselves is negligibly small

compared to the volume of the gas.
This equation holds good for low
pressure and high temperature ranges as the intermolecular attraction and

the volume of the molecules are not of much significance.
As the pressure increases, the inter molecular forces of attraction and
repulsion increases and the volume of the molecules are not negligible. The real gas
deviates considerably from the ideal gas equation [p+(a/V 2)](V-b) = RT
16. What are the assumptions made in Vanderwaal's equation of state?
i.
There is no intermolecular force between particles.
ii.
The volume of molecules is negligible in comparison with the gas.
17. Define coefficient of volume expansion.

The coefficient of volume expansion is defined as the change in volume with the
change in temperature per unit volume keeping the pressure constant. It is denoted by.
Page 34

18. State Helmholtz function.
Helmholtz function is the property of a system and is given by subtracting the
product of absolute temperature (T) and entropy (S) from the internal energy (U).
Helmholtz function = U TS
19. What are thermodynamic properties?
Thermodynamic properties are pressure (p), temperature (T), volume (V), internal
energy (U), enthalpy(H), entropy (S), Helmholtz function () and Gibbs function (g).
20. Define Molecular mass.
Molecular mass is defined as the ratio between total mass of the mixture to the total
number of moles available in the mixture.
21. Define isothermal compressibility.
Isothermal compressibility is defined as the change in volume with change in
pressure per unit volume keeping the temperature constant.
Page 35

UNIT V - GAS MIXTURES AND PSYCHROMETRY
1. Define psychrometry.
The science which deals with the study of behaviour of moist air (mixture of dry air
and water vapour) is known as psychrometry.
2. Represent the following Psychrometric process using skeleton Psychrometric
chart?
i.
Cooling and dehumidification
ii.
Evaporative cooling.
3. Define Relative humidity.

It is defined as the ratio of partial pressure of water vapour (p w) in a mixture to the
saturation pressure (p s) of pure water at the same temperature of mixture.
4. Define specific humidity.
It is defined as the ratio of the mass of water vapour (m s) in a given volume to the
mass of dry air in a given volume (m a).
Page 36

5. Define degree of saturation.
It is the ratio of the actual specific humidity and the saturated specific humidity at
the same temperature of the mixture.
6. What is meant by dry bulb temperature (DBT)?
The temperature recorded by the thermometer with a dry bulb. The dry bulb
thermometer cannot affected by the moisture present in the air. It is the measure of
sensible heat of the air.
7. What is meant by wet bulb temperature (WBT)?
It is the temperature recorded by a thermometer whose bulb is covered with cotton
wick (wet) saturated with water. The wet bulb temperature may be the measure of
enthalpy of air. WBT is the lowest temperature recorded by moistened bulb.
8. Define dew point depression.
It is the difference between dry bulb temperature and dew point temperature of air
vapour mixture.
9. What is meant by adiabatic saturation temperature (or) thermodynamic wet bulb
temperature?
It is the temperature at which the outlet air can be brought into saturation state by
passing through the water in the long insulated duct (adiabatic) by the evaporation of
water due to latent heat of vapourisation.
10. What is psychrometric chart?
It is the graphical plot with specific humidity and partial pressure of water vapour in
y axis and dry bulb temperature along x axis. The specific volume of mixture, wet bulb
temperature, relative humidity and enthalpy are the properties appeared in the
psychrometric chart.
Page 37

11. What is dew point temperature?
The temperature at which the vapour starts condensing is called dew point
temperature. It is also equal to the saturation temperature at the partial pressure of
water vapour in the mixture. The dew point temperature is an indication of specific
humidity.
12. What is psychrometer?
Psychrometer is an instrument which measures both dry bulb temperature and wet
bulb temperature.
13. Define sensible heat and latent heat.
Sensible heat is the heat that changes the temperature of the substance when added
to it or when abstracted from it.
Latent heat is the heat that does not affect the
temperature but change of state occurred by adding the heat or by abstracting the heat.
14. What is meant by adiabatic mixing?
The process of mixing two or more stream of air without any heat transfer to the
surrounding is known as adiabatic mixing. It is happened in air conditioning system.
15. What are the important psychrometric process?
i.
Sensible heating and sensible cooling,
ii.
Cooling and dehumidification,
iii.
Heating and humidification,
iv.
Mixing of air streams,
v.
Chemical dehumidification,
vi.
Adiabatic evaporative cooling.
16. What is humidification and dehumidification?

The addition of water vapour into air is humidification and the removal of water
vapour from air is dehumidification.
Page 38

17. Define dew point depression.
It is the difference between dry bulb temperature and dew point temperature of air
vapour mixture.
18. Define RSHF.
Room sensible heat factor is defined as the ratio of room sensible heat load to the
room total heat load.
19. How does humidity affect human comfort?
Human beings want to feel comfortable. They want to live in an environment
that is neither hot not cold, neither very humid nor very dry. The desires of human body
could not be adopted with high or low humidity. They feels comfortable only when they
can freely dissipate their waste heat to the environment.
20. What do you mean by the "Infiltration" in heat load calculations?
The amount of heat load added due the air entering into the A/c system
through small opening in the doors and windows, cracks in the walls etc., are termed as
infiltration.
22. What is effective temperature?
The effective temperature is a measure of feeling warmth or cold to the human body
in response to the air temperature, moisture content and air motion. If the air at different
DBT and RH condition carries the same amount of heat as the heat carried by the air at
temperature T and 100% RH, then the temperature T is known as effective temperature.
23. What is dew point temperature?
The temperature at which the vapour starts condensing is called dew point
temperature. It is also equal to the saturation temperature at the partial pressure of water
vapour in the mixture. The dew point temperature is an indication of specific humidity.
Page 39

24. Differentiate absolute humidity and relative humidity.
Absolute humidity is the mass of water vapour present in one kg of dry air. Relative
humidity is the ratio of the actual mass of water vapour present in one kg of dry air at the
given temperature to the maximum mass of water vapour it can with hold at the same
temperature. Absolute humidity is expressed in terms of kg/kg of dry air. Relative
humidity is expressed in terms of percentage.
Page 40

ANNA UNIVERSITY: CHENNAI
SYLLABUS
ME 6301
ENGINEERING THERMODYNAMICS
LTPC3104
OBJECTIVES:
To familiarize the students to understand the fundamentals of thermodynamics and to

perform thermal analysis on their behavior and performance.
(Use of Standard and approved Steam Table, Mollier Chart, Compressibility Chart and
Psychrometric Chart permitted)
UNIT I BASIC CONCEPTS AND FIRST LAW
Basic concepts - concept of continuum, comparison of microscopic and macroscopic approach.

Path and point functions. Intensive and extensive, total and specific quantities. System and their
types. Thermodynamic Equilibrium State, path and process. Quasi-static, reversible and
irreversible processes. Heat and work transfer, definition and comparison, sign convention.
Displacement work and other modes of work .P-V diagram. Zeroth law of thermodynamics
concept of temperature and thermal equilibrium relationship between temperature scales new
temperature scales. First law of thermodynamics application to closed and open systems
steady and unsteady flow processes.
UNIT II SECOND LAW AND AVAILABILITY ANALYSIS
Heat Reservoir, source and sink. Heat Engine, Refrigerator, Heat pump. Statements of second
law and its corollaries. Carnot cycle Reversed Carnot cycle, Performance. Clausius inequality.
Concept of entropy, T-s diagram, Tds Equations, entropy change for - pure substance, ideal gases
- different processes, principle of increase in entropy. Applications of II Law. High and low
grade energy. Available and non-available energy of a source and finite body. Energy and
Page 41

irreversibility. Expressions for the energy of a closed system and open systems. Energy balance
and entropy generation. Irreversibility. I and II law Efficiency.
UNIT III PROPERTIES OF PURE SUBSTANCE AND STEAM POWER CYCLE 9
Formation of steam and its thermodynamic properties, p-v, p-T, T-v, T-s, h-s diagrams. p-v-T
surface. Use of Steam Table and Mollier Chart. Determination of dryness fraction. Application
of I and II law for pure substances. Ideal and actual Rankine cycles, Cycle Improvement
Methods - Reheat and Regenerative cycles, Economiser, preheater, Binary and Combined cycles.
UNIT IV IDEAL AND REAL GASES, THERMODYNAMIC RELATIONS
Properties of Ideal gas- Ideal and real gas comparison- Equations of state for ideal and real
gases- Reduced properties-.Compressibility factor-.Principle of Corresponding states. Generalised Compressibility Chart and its use-. Maxwell relations, Tds Equations, Difference
and ratio of heatcapacities, Energy equation, Joule-Thomson Coefficient, Clausius Clapeyron
equation, Phase Change Processes. Simple Calculations.
UNIT V GAS MIXTURES AND PSYCHROMETRY
Mole and Mass fraction, Daltons and Amagats Law. Properties of gas mixture Molar mass,
gas constant, density, change in internal energy, enthalpy, entropy and Gibbs function.
Psychrometric properties, Psychrometric charts. Property calculations of air vapour mixtures by
using chart and expressions. Psychrometric process adiabatic saturation, sensible heating and
cooling, humidification, dehumidification, evaporative cooling and adiabatic mixing. Simple
Applications
TOTAL : 45 PERIODS
Page 42

OUTCOMES:
Upon completion of this course, the students can able to apply the Thermodynamic
Principles to Mechanical Engineering Application.
Apply mathematical fundamentals to study the properties of steam, gas and gas mixtures.
TEXT BOOKS :
1. Nag.P.K., Engineering Thermodynamics, 4thEdition, Tata McGraw-Hill, New Delhi, 2008.
2. Natarajan E., "Engineering Thermodynamics: Fundamentals and Applications", Anuragam
Publications, 2012.
REFERENCES :
1. Cengel. Y and M.Boles, "Thermodynamics - An Engineering Approach", 7th Edition, Tata

McGraw Hill, 2010.
2. Holman.J.P., "Thermodynamics", 3rd Edition, McGraw-Hill, 1995.
3. Rathakrishnan. E., "Fundamentals of Engineering Thermodynamics", 2nd Edition, PrenticeHall of India Pvt. Ltd, 2006
4. Chattopadhyay, P, "Engineering Thermodynamics", Oxford University Press, 2010.
5. Arora C.P, Thermodynamics, Tata McGraw-Hill, New Delhi, 2003.
6. Van Wylen and Sonntag, Classical Thermodynamics, Wiley Eastern, 1987
7. Venkatesh. A, Basic Engineering Thermodynamics, Universities Press (India) Limited,
2007.
8. Kau-Fui Vincent Wong, "Thermodynamics for Engineers", CRC Press, 2010 Indian Reprint.
9. Prasanna Kumar: Thermodynamics "Engineering Thermodynamics" Pearson Education, 2013
Page 43

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ME 6301

ME 6301 - ENGINEERING THERMODYNAMICS

ME 6301 - ENGINEERING THERMODYNAMICS

Piston and cylinder arrangement.

11. What is meant by open system? Give an example.

12. What is meant by isolated system? Give an example.

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ME 6301 - ENGINEERING THERMODYNAMICS

addition to the heat and work transfer.

2. System boundary is fixed one

2. System boundary may or may not

cylinder 3. Example: Air compressor, boiler

arrangement, Thermal power plant

Steady fiow system

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Intensive or Intrinsic property

Extensive and Extrinsic property

25. What is meant by intensive or intrinsic property? Give an example.

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ME 6301 - ENGINEERING THERMODYNAMICS

1. Independent on the mass of the Dependent on the mass of the system.

have a lesser value.

specific volume etc.,

3. Extensive property/mass is known as intensive property

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ME 6301 - ENGINEERING THERMODYNAMICS

31. What is meant by thermodynamic equilibrium?

Mechanical Equilibrium: - Pressure remains constant

Thermal equilibrium: - Temperature remains constant

Chemical equilibrium: There is no chemical reaction.

32. Explain Mechanical equilibrium.

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ME 6301 - ENGINEERING THERMODYNAMICS

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47. State True or False:

Pressure, volume, temperature, etc.,

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ME 6301 - ENGINEERING THERMODYNAMICS

Heat transfer, work transfer.

50. Define absolute pressure

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Heat energy, Electrical energy'.

59. Define internal energy

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72. Define Latent heat

Zeroth law is the basic of ................. measurement.

ME 6301 - ENGINEERING THERMODYNAMICS

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ME 6301 - ENGINEERING THERMODYNAMICS

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ME 6301 - ENGINEERING THERMODYNAMICS

96. Work done in a free expansion process is _________

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The entropy is constant for all adiabatic frictionless process.

The entropy increases if temperature of heat is lowered without work being

If the entropy is maximum, then there is a minimum availability for

If the entropy is minimum then there is a maximum availability for

99. Name and explain the two types of properties.