a) The exergy of the system decreases.
b) The exergy of the surroundings increases.
c) Exergy destruction within the system is greater than zero.
d) There are no transfers of exergy between the system and its surroundings.
Which of the following statements is false when describing the exergy associated with an isolated system undergoing an actual process?
Share
The false statement when describing the exergy associated with an isolated system undergoing an actual process is:
d) There are no transfers of exergy between the system and its surroundings.
Explanation:
Exergy is a measure of the maximum useful work that can be obtained from a system when it reaches equilibrium with its surroundings. It is a property that accounts for both the energy content and the quality of that energy. When an isolated system undergoes an actual process, several factors come into play:
a) The exergy of the system decreases: This statement is typically true. Exergy is often lost or degraded during a process due to irreversibilities such as heat transfer across a finite temperature difference or frictional losses. As a result, the exergy of the system tends to decrease.
b) The exergy of the surroundings increases: This statement is typically true. The exergy lost by the system is often transferred to the surroundings, increasing their exergy content. This transfer can occur through various forms such as heat or work.
c) Exergy destruction within the system is greater than zero: This statement is typically true. Exergy destruction refers to the irreversibilities and inefficiencies that occur during a process. These irreversibilities result in a decrease in the overall exergy of the system.
d) There are no transfers of exergy between the system and its surroundings: This statement is false. In an actual process, there can be transfers of exergy between the system and its surroundings. As mentioned in statement b, exergy lost by the system is often transferred to the surroundings, increasing their exergy content. This transfer can occur as heat or work.
In summary, the false statement is d) There are no transfers of exergy between the system and its surroundings. Exergy can be transferred between the system and its surroundings during an actual process.