Refrigeration performance metric: The coefficient of performance (COP) is defined as useful refrigeration divided by net work. COP is dimensionless. The units of which of the following are the same as COP?

Chemical Engineering Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics Difficulty: Easy
Choose an option
  • A
    kinematic viscosity
  • B
    work
  • C
    temperature
  • D
    none of these
  • E
    pressure

Answer

Correct Answer: none of these

Explanation

Introduction / Context:Performance indices help compare cycles irrespective of absolute scale. The coefficient of performance (COP) is widely used for refrigerators and heat pumps. Recognizing that COP is a ratio of like units prevents dimensional mistakes in calculations and reporting.

Given Data / Assumptions:

  • COP = refrigeration effect / net work.
  • Both numerator and denominator have energy units (e.g., kJ) per cycle or power units (e.g., kW) for steady operation.
  • Therefore, COP is dimensionless.

Concept / Approach:

Since COP is a ratio of two energy (or power) quantities, the units cancel. None of the listed dimensional quantities (kinematic viscosity, work, temperature, pressure) are unitless; hence, none share the same units as COP. This mirrors thermal efficiency for power cycles, which is also dimensionless.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Identify units: refrigeration and work both in energy or power.Form the ratio: units cancel → pure number.Conclude that none of the dimensional options match COP.

Verification / Alternative check:

Handbooks list COP without units (e.g., COP = 3.2), confirming the dimensionless nature.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Kinematic viscosity has units of m^2/s, work has joules, temperature has kelvin, pressure has Pa. These cannot match a dimensionless COP.

Common Pitfalls:

Reporting COP with energy units attached; confusing COP with EER (which uses Btu/hr per W but is still a ratio convertible to dimensionless via constants).

Final Answer:

none of these

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