1. Aug 26, 2014

### ajayguhan

I know that adibatic process means no heat transfer.

i.e., →PV$\gamma$ =constant.

Where $\gamma$ = 1.4 for diatomic gas, $\gamma$= 1.6 for monoatomic gas.

My question is how $\gamma$=Cp/Cv ?

And can we prove theoritcally that $\gamma$ = 1.4 for diatomic gas, $\gamma$= 1.6 for monoatomic gas.

2. Aug 26, 2014

### SteamKing

Staff Emeritus
Gamma is defined as the ratio of the specific heat at constant pressure to the specific heat at constant temperature.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heat_capacity_ratio

3. Aug 26, 2014

### jack action

This equation is only true for an ideal gas undergoing a reversible (i.e., no entropy generation) adiabatic process.

It is simply a definition for which we found a physical significance (Like work is defined as a force times its displacement).

Read The simple case of the monatomic gas and Diatomic gas on Theory of heat capacity.

4. Aug 26, 2014

### ajayguhan

Thank you for spending time to clarify my doubts. Your answer helped me.