What Gas Is in the Container Based on Specific Heat Values?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on identifying an unknown gas based on its specific heat values. The heat capacity at constant pressure (cp) is 907.8 J, while the heat capacity at constant volume (cv) is 648.4 J. Using the relationship for ideal gases, γ = cp/cv, participants can determine the type of gas, identifying it as monatomic (like Helium or Argon) or diatomic (like Nitrogen or Oxygen). The relevant equations from thermodynamics, including Mayer's equation, are crucial for this analysis.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of specific heat capacities (cp and cv)
  • Familiarity with the ideal gas law
  • Knowledge of thermodynamic principles, particularly Mayer's equation
  • Basic concepts of monatomic and diatomic gases
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the relationship between cp, cv, and γ for various gases
  • Explore Mayer's equation and its applications in thermodynamics
  • Research examples of monatomic and diatomic gases and their properties
  • Learn how to experimentally determine specific heat capacities of gases
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in physics and chemistry, particularly those studying thermodynamics and gas properties, will benefit from this discussion.

mikeee
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Need help!

Ok, I'm having problems with the following question:

A container is filled with an unknown gas. To heat 1 kg of the gas by one degree under the constant pressure one needs 907.8 J, while the same increase of temperature of the gas when the colume is kept constant, needs 648.4 J.

Determine what gas is in the container.


-- if you guys can help point me in the right direction i'd appreciated it!
 
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Well let's see. The 907.8J is related to heat capacity at constant pressure and the 648.4J is related the heat capacity at constant volume. In your Thermo book, since this is a gas, you should see a relation for an ideal gas that states gamma = cp/cv. Depending on this ratio, you can calculate if the gas is monatomic, diatomic, etc... In my book, this is discussed right after Mayer's equation cp = cv + R. Now, there are multiple examples of real world monatomic and diatomic gases. I believe Helium and Argon follow the monatomic model reasonably well, whereas Nitrogen and Oxygen follow the diatomic model well.

Is this enough info to get you started?
 
yep, thanks for your reply
 

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