How to Calculate the Correct Fraction of Monatomic Molecules in a Gas Mixture?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the correct fraction of monatomic molecules required in a gas mixture to achieve a specific heat capacity ratio (γ) of 1.49. The relevant equations include γ = 5/3 for monatomic gases and γ = 7/5 for diatomic gases. The user initially calculated a fraction of 0.3375 but realized the need to treat the specific heat capacities (Cp and Cv) separately for each gas type. The final formula derived for the mixture is γ = (n1(f1 + 2) + n2(f2 + 2)) / (n1f1 + n2f2).

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of heat capacity ratios (γ) for gases
  • Knowledge of specific heat capacities (Cp and Cv)
  • Familiarity with monatomic and diatomic gas properties
  • Basic algebra for solving equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of Cp and Cv for monatomic and diatomic gases
  • Learn how to apply the ideal gas law in mixtures
  • Explore the concept of degrees of freedom in molecular gases
  • Investigate the implications of mixing gases on thermodynamic properties
USEFUL FOR

Students in physics or chemistry, particularly those preparing for exams involving thermodynamics and gas mixtures, as well as educators seeking to clarify concepts related to heat capacities in gases.

Jahromi24
Messages
1
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



An experiment you're designing needs a gas with γ = 1.49. You recall from your physics class that no individual gas has this value, but it occurs to you that you could produce a gas with γ = 1.49 by mixing together a monatomic gas and a diatomic gas.
What fraction of the molecules need to be monatomic?

Homework Equations



\gamma=5/3 for Monatomic
\gamma=7/5 for Diatomic

The Attempt at a Solution



\gamma=5x/3+7/5(1-x)=1.49
I solve for x and get 0.3375, but this is wrong.
I can't figure out what I'm doing wrong because everywhere I look it seems correct to me.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
The 7/5 for the diatomic gas is a simplified version of reality where you're saying it has 5 degrees of freedom. x,y,z and then it can rotate around the x and z axis. In reality it also rotates around the y-axis but the number is very small. Just an idea.
 
Cp and Cv of a gas mixture are proportional to the number of moles of each gas, but the ratio of Cp to Cv for the mixture is not. You need to treat Cp and Cv separately, and also make use of the condition that Cp - Cv of each species is equal to R.

chet
 
Chestermiller said:
Cp and Cv of a gas mixture are proportional to the number of moles of each gas, but the ratio of Cp to Cv for the mixture is not. You need to treat Cp and Cv separately, and also make use of the condition that Cp - Cv of each species is equal to R.

chet
Could you please go through the steps? I still do not understand, and I have my final tomorrow.
 
##\gamma=\frac{C_P}{C_V}##

Can you use that relation to work out the value of ##\gamma## if the mixture is half monatomic and half diatomic?
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Hoang-Lan Jones
Mister T said:
##\gamma=\frac{C_P}{C_V}##

Can you use that relation to work out the value of ##\gamma## if the mixture is half monatomic and half diatomic?

I think you're supposed to use that, but I'm not sure how.
Also, I found this, and I think it helps, but I'm not sure what to do with this either.
xawc9l.png
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Can you answer my question? Yes or no?

(Your images don't show up).
 
Mister T said:
Can you answer my question? Yes or no?

(Your images don't show up).
Okay, I have actually figured it out! Thank you for leading me to find the right path, Mister T!
My work is below! :) I was actually working with a gamma that was 1.52 for the problem, but the math should still be correct.
dgt9br.jpg
 
γ = n1 (f1+2) + n2(f2+2)
n1f1 + n2f2
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
24K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K
Replies
2
Views
8K
Replies
2
Views
12K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
6K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
22K