Heat integral and molar heat capacity?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the relationship between heat integral, molar heat capacity, and the assumptions made in thermodynamic equations. It highlights the equation dQ = nCvdT, emphasizing that n (the number of moles) is treated as constant in a closed system, which is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the heat capacity definition. The confusion arises from the inclusion of temperature (T) in the calculation of n, leading to questions about its impact on the integral. It is clarified that the assumption of a closed system is standard when discussing heat capacity and is not a direct consequence of the second law of thermodynamics. Overall, understanding these assumptions is essential for correctly applying thermodynamic principles.
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dQ = nCvdT if volume is constant.
However, n = pV/RT.
What I don't understand is, why are we thinking n as constant when doing the integral?
I had two problems that involved this on a test I had today. At first I kept it constant and then changed n. But then I thought, wait... isn't there a T in n? then that T should be in the integral.
I understand the point, heat capacity per mole. But mathematically, the T that is in the equation for n should matter, right?
dS = dQ / T, if we substitute dQ in that equation we should get 1 / T2 in the integral also.
I know I'm wrong however, so if someone could tell me what's wrong?
 
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The equation dQ = nCvdT also assumes a closed system (i.e., constant n). Otherwise you could effect a temperature change by simply removing gas molecules at constant volume without heating or cooling the system, and this would violate the equation.
 
That's true... higher temperature with lower amount of moles doesn't sound right. When you say that it assumes a closed system, is that a result of the second law?
Or do we always speak of closed systems when talking about heat capacity?
 
It's not a result of the second law. It's a typical assumption of the definition of heat capacity; that is, we mean

C_{V,N}=T\left(\frac{\partial S}{\partial T}\right)_{V,N}

but we generally just write C_V.

(In some esoteric circumstances, we want to work with systems at constant chemical potential rather than constant matter, but that's an advanced topic.)
 
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