Determine the heat capacity at a constant volume for a Van der Waals gas

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on determining the heat capacity at constant volume (c_V) for a Van der Waals gas. The user has derived the internal energy (U) and established that c_V is equal to the product of the partial derivative of entropy (S) with respect to temperature (T) and T itself. The user concludes that c_V equals CNR, but questions the correct units for c_V and the meaning of the constant C. The key equation referenced is Nc_v = (∂U/∂T)_V.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of thermodynamic principles, specifically heat capacity.
  • Familiarity with Van der Waals equation of state.
  • Knowledge of partial derivatives in thermodynamics.
  • Basic concepts of internal energy in thermodynamic systems.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the Van der Waals equation and its implications on thermodynamic properties.
  • Study the derivation of heat capacities for real gases versus ideal gases.
  • Learn about the significance of the constant C in thermodynamic equations.
  • Explore the relationship between entropy and temperature in thermodynamic systems.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for students and professionals in thermodynamics, particularly those studying real gas behavior and heat capacity calculations.

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Homework Statement
Find an expression for ##c_v## for a Van der Waals gas
Relevant Equations
1)##S=NS_0+NRLn((U/N+aN/V)^c(V/N-b))## (fundamental equation)
2)##U/N+aN/V=TRC##
Where ##S## is entropy, ##N## number of moles, ##S_0## a constant, ##R## the ideal gas constant, ##V## the volume of the gas, ##U## internal energy and ##a## and ##b## the Van der Waals coefficients
Hi, what I've done so far is solving equation 2) for ##U##, and replacing what I get in equation 1).
Then, ##c_V## is equal to the partial derivative of ##S## with respect to T times T, so I've done that. The derivative is ##CNR/T##, so ##c_V=CNR## but those aren't the correct units for ##c_V##.
 
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What is C supposed to be? Your 2nd equation is key. $$Nc_v=\left(\frac{\partial U}{\partial T}\right)_V$$
 

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