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

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the correct fraction of monatomic molecules in a gas mixture to achieve a specific heat capacity ratio (γ) of 1.49. Participants explore the properties of monatomic and diatomic gases and their contributions to the mixture's overall γ.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to set up an equation based on the known values of γ for monatomic and diatomic gases but questions the correctness of their solution. Some participants suggest considering the degrees of freedom for diatomic gases and the implications for the calculations. Others inquire about the relationship between Cp and Cv in mixtures and how to apply it to find γ.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, raising questions about the assumptions made in the calculations and exploring different aspects of the gas mixture. Some guidance has been offered regarding the treatment of Cp and Cv, but there is no explicit consensus on the correct approach or solution yet.

Contextual Notes

There are indications of confusion regarding the application of the heat capacity equations and the specific values of γ being used. The original poster has expressed urgency due to an upcoming final exam, which adds pressure to the discussion.

Jahromi24
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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.
 
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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?
 
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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
 

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