How Much Heat Is Needed to Raise Helium's Temperature in an Isochoric Process?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the heat required to raise the temperature of 0.2 mol of helium from 30°C to 70°C in an isochoric process. The key equations involved are dQ = dU for constant volume, and the heat added can be calculated using Q = nCΔT. It is clarified that for a monatomic gas like helium, the specific heat at constant volume (Cv) is approximately 12.56 kJ/kmol, and Cp is never equal to Cv. The confusion arises from the incorrect application of Cp in a constant volume scenario.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of thermodynamic processes, specifically isochoric processes.
  • Familiarity with the ideal gas law and properties of monatomic gases.
  • Knowledge of specific heat capacities (Cp and Cv) and their definitions.
  • Ability to manipulate and apply thermodynamic equations such as Q = nCΔT.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation and application of the ideal gas law for monatomic gases.
  • Learn about the differences between Cp and Cv, including their implications in various thermodynamic processes.
  • Explore the concept of heat transfer in isochoric processes and its practical applications.
  • Investigate the specific heat capacities of other gases and how they compare to helium.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for students studying thermodynamics, particularly those focusing on gas laws and heat transfer, as well as professionals in engineering and physical sciences dealing with thermal processes.

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Homework Statement



A cylinder contains 0.2mol of Helium at 30 degrees C and is heated different ways.
How much heat is needed to raise the temperature to 70C while keeping thevolume constant?

Homework Equations



dQ=dU+dT
nCpdT=nCvdT+nRdT



The Attempt at a Solution



What I am confused about is whether to use the nCpdT (heat added) or nCvdT (change in internal energy). If it is a constant volume process, wouldn't that mean dQ=dU therefore nCpdT=nCvdT?

Obviously that is not the case as the moles (0.2) are constant as is the change in temperature (70-30=40C or 40K). As as result Cp=Cv which should be untrue for a monatomic gas.

What is the cause for this discrepancy and how can I determine which equation to use?

Thanks
 
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hahaha158 said:

Homework Statement



A cylinder contains 0.2mol of Helium at 30 degrees C and is heated different ways.
How much heat is needed to raise the temperature to 70C while keeping thevolume constant?

Homework Equations



dQ=dU+dT
nCpdT=nCvdT+nRdT



The Attempt at a Solution



What I am confused about is whether to use the nCpdT (heat added) or nCvdT (change in internal energy). If it is a constant volume process, wouldn't that mean dQ=dU therefore nCpdT=nCvdT?

Obviously that is not the case as the moles (0.2) are constant as is the change in temperature (70-30=40C or 40K). As as result Cp=Cv which should be untrue for a monatomic gas.

What is the cause for this discrepancy and how can I determine which equation to use?

Thanks

The problem doesn't state to assume an ideal gas. But if we do:

You mentioned dU = dQ for any isochoric process, which is correct. So use that relation.

Why do you invoke Cp at all? It's obviously not an isobaric process. And Cp is never equal to Cv - monatomic gas or not.
 
It says the volume is kept constant - isochoric process it is.
nevermind this part I for some reason read at first you were heating hydrogen and I was thinking, hang on, hydrogen is a 2atom gas - but yes, "He" is a monatomic gas.

In case of ideal gases there is a rule:
c = c' / ρ0
c - amount of heat to heat up 1kg of gas by 1K
c' - amount of heat to heat up 1 m³ of gas by 1K
ρ0 - density of the gas in case of normal conditions where pressure is equal to 760mmHg(101325 Pa I think it was) and temperature = 273,15K

also:
c= C / μ
C - amount of heat to heat up 1 mol of gas by 1K
μ - the unit is 1kg/kmol - shows you how much is the mass of the gas in your given volume.

To find the amount of heat, assuming there will be no loss of heat, you need to apply the formula
Q = nCΔT or Q = mcΔT or Q = Vc'ΔT
n - the amount of mols of your gas
m - the mass of your gas
V - the volume of your gas

Cv in case of a monatomic gas is roughly 12.56 kJ/kmol
 
Last edited:

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