Deriving Molar Specific Heat Equation

AI Thread Summary
To derive the molar specific heat at constant volume for a mixture of n_1 moles of a monatomic gas and n_2 moles of a diatomic gas, the relevant equations for internal energy and specific heat are discussed. The first law of thermodynamics indicates that for an isochoric process, the work done is zero, simplifying the equation to Q = n(C_v)(change in T). The specific heats for the gases are C_v = (3/2)R for the monatomic gas and C_v = (5/2)R for the diatomic gas. The total internal energy is expressed as a function of the moles and final temperature, leading to confusion regarding the correct use of variables, particularly the transition from k to R. The discussion highlights the need for clarity in variable usage and the derivation process for the specific heat of the mixture.
Funktimus
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Homework Statement


n_1 moles of a monatomic gas and n_2 moles of a diatomic gas are mixed together in a container.

Derive an expression for the molar specific heat at constant volume of the mixture.
My answer can only use the variables n_1 and n_2, and I'm assuming constants.

Homework Equations


Monoatomic gas
E_th = (3/2)nRT
C_v = (3/2)R

Diatomic gas
E_th = (5/2)nRT
C_v = (5/2)R

First Law:
(Change)E_th = W + Q = (n)(C_v)(change in T)

The Attempt at a Solution


Honestly, I'm not sure where to begin.

I'm assuming:
Since volume is constant, that means this is an Isochoric process.
In which case W = 0
Which means (change in E_th) = 0 + Q = n(C_v)(change in T)

So...
for the monoatomic gas
E_1f = (n_1)(C_v)(T) = (3/2)(n_1)(R)(T_1f)

for the diatomic gas
E_2f = (n_2)(C_v)(T) = (5/2)(n_2)(R)(T_2f)

Now I figure this is a process going for thermal equilibrium...
so
T_1f = T_2f = T_f, so I can make the temperature variable T_f from now on.
E_1f = (n_1)/(n_1 + n_2)
E_2f = (n_2)/(n_1 + n_2)
E_tot = E_1f + E_2f
E_tot = (3/2)(n_1)(R)(T_f) + (5/2)(n_2)(R)(T_f)

I don't know where I'm going with this. Can someone tell me if I'm going in the right direction?

Thank you
 
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What's wrong with the following?
U=n1 3/2 kT + n2 5/2 kT

C=dU/dT=n1 3/2 k +n2 5/2 k
 
I dunno, apparently it's wrong. Cause that's what I initially plugged in. It told me k is not a variable, and I should use R, which is lame that it didn't say that in the first place. I converted k to R using avogaddies number and its still says its wrong.
 
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