A rigid, nonconducting tank with a volume of 4 m3 is divided into two unequal parts by a thin membrane. One side of the membrane, representing 1/3 of the tank, contains nitrogen gas at 6 bar and 100(C. and the other side, representing 2/3 of the tank, is evacuated. The membrane ruptures and the gas fills the tank.
(a) What is the final temperature of the gas? How much work is done? Is the process reversible?
(b) Describe a reversible process by which the gas can be returned to its initial state. How much work is done?
Assume nitrogen is an ideal gas for which CP = (7/2) R and CV = (5/2) R.