How Is Internal Energy Calculated for an Ideal Gas Using Temperature Change?

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SUMMARY

The internal energy change for an ideal gas can be calculated using the formula ΔU = nC_vΔT, where n is the number of moles, C_v is the molar heat capacity at constant volume, and ΔT is the change in temperature. For a diatomic ideal gas, the molar heat capacity at constant volume (C_v) is 5/2 R, where R is the universal gas constant. The work done by the gas (W) cannot be directly calculated without knowing the pressure and volume changes throughout the process, making it essential to focus on the temperature change to determine ΔU.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the first law of thermodynamics
  • Familiarity with the ideal gas law (PV = nRT)
  • Knowledge of molar heat capacities for ideal gases
  • Basic calculus for evaluating integrals
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the ideal gas law and its applications
  • Learn about the specific heat capacities of different types of gases
  • Explore the relationship between internal energy and temperature for various thermodynamic processes
  • Investigate the implications of non-constant pressure in thermodynamic systems
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Students and professionals in physics, chemistry, and engineering fields who are studying thermodynamics, particularly those focusing on the behavior of ideal gases and energy calculations.

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Homework Statement
1.5 moles of two atom ideal gas is being heated so that pressure and volume change during the process. At the beginning pressure is at 336 kPa and volume is 12 Liters. In the end pressure is 439 kPa and volume is 14 Liters. What is change in internal energy?
Relevant Equations
Definition of change in internal energy
$$ \Delta U = Q - W $$
Work done by pressure
$$ W = \int_{V_1}^{V_2} p dV $$
I have the definition of change in internal energy.
$$ \Delta U = Q - W $$
I can get the work by
$$ W = \int_{V_1}^{V_2} p dV = p \Delta V $$
however the pressure isn't constant so this won't do.
## W ## is work done by the gas and ## Q ## is amount of heat energy brought into the system.
I'm not quite sure how do i get these? I think I'm stuck.
 
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You don't (and can't) use the first law to do this because all you are given is the end points, but not the pressure and volume changes in between. So you must solve this problem only having the end point information.

What is the change in internal energy of an ideal gas in terms of its change in temperature?
What is the molar heat capacity at constant volume of an ideal gas having 2 atoms?
From the ideal gas law, what is PV equal to?
 

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