Thermodynamics homework -- Estimate the molar specific heat of the air at constant volume Cv

  • #1
Karfen
1
0
Homework Statement
Estimate the molar specific heat of the air at constant volume Cv by taking into account
major molecules in the air. Plot it as a function of absolute temperature and discuss its
significance.
Relevant Equations
The major chemical elements of air are nitrogen(78%) and oxygen(22%).

The molar specific heat of the air at constant volume for diatomic molecule:
Cv=3/2R (Low Temperature)
Cv=5/2R(High Temperature)
Cv=7/2R(Higher Temperature)
And this is the Cv graph for hydrogen:

1700206012610.png

I think the Cv graph for air is similar with this graph. But I don't know the answer, can someone tell me?
 
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  • #2
Oxygen and nitrogen are somewhat similar to hydrogen for the purpose of this question.

What is room temperature in Kelvin, very roughly? Where in this graph are we?
 
  • #3
mfb said:
Oxygen and nitrogen are somewhat similar to hydrogen for the purpose of this question.
Is that true? At https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Molar_heat_capacity I read:
"For the rotational degrees of freedom, the thawing temperature is usually a few tens of kelvins (although with a very light molecule such as hydrogen the rotational energy levels will be spaced so widely that rotational heat capacity may not completely "unfreeze" until considerably higher temperatures are reached)."
 

1. What is the purpose of calculating the molar specific heat of air at constant volume?

The molar specific heat of air at constant volume, also known as Cv, is an important thermodynamic property that helps us understand how much energy is needed to increase the temperature of a fixed amount of air without changing its volume. This information is useful in various engineering and scientific applications, such as designing engines and predicting the behavior of gases in different environments.

2. How is the molar specific heat of air at constant volume calculated?

The molar specific heat of air at constant volume can be calculated by dividing the amount of heat added to a fixed amount of air by the change in temperature. This can be represented by the equation Cv = Q / (n * ΔT), where Q is the heat added, n is the number of moles of air, and ΔT is the change in temperature.

3. What is the value of the molar specific heat of air at constant volume?

The value of the molar specific heat of air at constant volume can vary depending on the temperature and pressure of the air. At standard temperature and pressure (STP), the molar specific heat of air is approximately 20.8 J/mol·K. However, this value can change at different temperatures and pressures, so it is important to specify the conditions when calculating Cv.

4. How does the molar specific heat of air at constant volume differ from the molar specific heat at constant pressure?

The molar specific heat at constant volume is the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of a fixed amount of air without changing its volume, while the molar specific heat at constant pressure is the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of a fixed amount of air while allowing it to expand. This means that the molar specific heat at constant pressure is generally higher than the molar specific heat at constant volume, as some of the energy is used to do work on the surroundings by expanding the air.

5. How does the molar specific heat of air at constant volume change with temperature?

The molar specific heat of air at constant volume is not constant and can change with temperature. As the temperature increases, the molecules in the air have more kinetic energy and are able to store more heat, resulting in a higher molar specific heat. Additionally, at higher temperatures, the molecules may start to undergo chemical reactions, which can also affect the molar specific heat. Therefore, it is important to specify the temperature when calculating the molar specific heat of air at constant volume.

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