Ideal Gas Assumption: No Vibration & Rotation

In summary, the conversation discusses the concept of an ideal gas and whether there should be an additional assumption stating that gas molecules do not vibrate and rotate. The first law of thermodynamics is mentioned, as well as the conflicting results of a gas expanding with no change in temperature. The question of whether internal energy should only be applicable to ideal gases is also raised.
  • #1
Oerg
352
0
Should there also be an assumption for ideal gaes that states:
The gas molecules/atoms do not vibrate and rotate

I was considering a case of a gas expanding at a dropping pressure such that the value of
PV remains a constant. Work is done since there is an increase in volume. If there is no heat transfer into a system, from the first law of thermodynamics

Q=W+(delta)U

The change in internal energy should be equals to the negative of the work done by the gas. But the temperature remains unchanged, thus the internal energy of the gas does not change. Now we have 2 conflicting results that can only mean thermal energy must be transferred into the system for the above example to occur.

But we know that in reality, the vibrations and rotational movement of the gas molecules can account for the drop in internal energy, but since the internal energy is a function of temperature and temperature is a function of the average translational kinetic energy of the gas molecules, should there not be a new assumption that states that ideal gas molecules does not rotate and vibrate?

In short my question really is, since internal energy is a function of the average translational kinetic energy of the gas molecules, this should be made applicable only to ideal gases since in reality, the internal energy can and should cover the rotational and vibration motion of these molecules.
 
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  • #2
any help is appreciated thanks. Is there anything wrong with ym concept?
 
  • #3


I would like to address the idea of an additional assumption for ideal gases that states the molecules do not vibrate and rotate. This assumption is already incorporated in the ideal gas law, which assumes that gas molecules have no volume and do not interact with each other. This implies that the gas molecules are point-like, and therefore have no internal structure or rotational/vibrational motion.

However, in reality, gas molecules do have internal structure and can exhibit rotational and vibrational motion. This leads to a deviation from the ideal gas behavior, especially at higher pressures and lower temperatures. This is accounted for by introducing correction factors such as compressibility factor and virial coefficients in the ideal gas law.

Therefore, incorporating an additional assumption for ideal gases that states the molecules do not vibrate and rotate would not be necessary. The ideal gas law already takes into account the assumption of point-like molecules and any deviation from this behavior can be addressed through correction factors.
 

1. What is the ideal gas assumption?

The ideal gas assumption is a simplifying assumption used in the study of gases. It states that the molecules of an ideal gas do not interact with each other and that they have no volume. This assumption allows for easier calculations and understanding of gas behavior.

2. What does "no vibration and rotation" mean in the ideal gas assumption?

In the ideal gas assumption, "no vibration and rotation" refers to the fact that the molecules of an ideal gas are assumed to only have translational motion, meaning they move in a straight line without any rotational or vibrational movement. This simplifies the calculation of gas properties and behavior.

3. Is the ideal gas assumption always accurate?

No, the ideal gas assumption is not always accurate. It is a simplified model that is only applicable to certain conditions, such as low pressures and high temperatures. In real gases, molecules do interact with each other and have volume, which can affect their behavior and properties.

4. How does the ideal gas assumption impact gas laws?

The ideal gas assumption is the basis for many gas laws, such as Boyle's law, Charles's law, and Avogadro's law. These laws describe the relationship between pressure, volume, temperature, and number of moles of an ideal gas. Without the ideal gas assumption, these laws would not be as simple or applicable.

5. Can the ideal gas assumption be applied to all gases?

No, the ideal gas assumption is only applicable to ideal gases, which are hypothetical gases that follow the ideal gas law at all conditions. Real gases, such as those found in the atmosphere, do not perfectly follow the assumptions of the ideal gas law and may require more complex models to accurately describe their behavior.

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