Adiabatic Expansion of Gas: Does the Number of Moles Affect the Calculation?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the adiabatic expansion of gas and the impact of the number of moles on calculations. It is established that the adiabatic factor gamma, defined as Cp,m / Cv,m, remains constant regardless of the number of moles, as the moles cancel out in the equations. Specifically, the relationship PV^gamma = constant holds true for any number of moles, confirming that calculations for 1 mole and 100 moles yield the same results. Thus, the number of moles does not influence the fundamental principles governing adiabatic processes.

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  • Understanding of thermodynamic principles, particularly adiabatic processes
  • Familiarity with molar heat capacities (Cp,m and Cv,m)
  • Knowledge of the ideal gas law and its applications
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  • Study the derivation and implications of the adiabatic process equations
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quietrain
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for 1 mole of gas, the adiabatic factor gamma is given by Cp,m / Cv,m
where the C are molar heat capacities

so if now i have 2 moles of gas

will my calculation change at all?

for example, if i use PVgamma = PVgamma

will anything change? it seems weird, it doesn't depend on the number of moles n

since n Cp,m / n Cv,m , the n cancels out

issn't this akin to saying adiabatic expansion of gas is the same for 1 mole VS 100 moles?
 
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Hi.

quietrain said:
for 1 mole of gas, the adiabatic factor gamma is given by Cp,m / Cv,m
where the C are molar heat capacities

so if now i have 2 moles of gas

will my calculation change at all?

for example, if i use PVgamma = PVgamma

will anything change? it seems weird, it doesn't depend on the number of moles n

since n Cp,m / n Cv,m , the n cancels out

issn't this akin to saying adiabatic expansion of gas is the same for 1 mole VS 100 moles?

Do not worry about moles n. Calculation of physical quantity per mole do not depend on n.

Regards.
 
alright thanks!
 

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