Is the Heat Capacity of Thermal Radiation at Constant Pressure Infinite?

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SUMMARY

The heat capacity of thermal radiation at constant pressure (Cp) is established as infinite due to the relationship Cp = dQ/dT at constant pressure. Since pressure (p) is a function of temperature (T) and vice versa, when dP=0, dT=0, leading to a zero denominator in the Cp equation, thus confirming its infinite nature. This implies that energy changes do not affect temperature under constant pressure conditions, indicating that thermal radiation behaves as a heat reservoir. Additionally, the discussion raises questions about calculating specific heat under reflective boundary conditions in a given volume of space.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of thermodynamics principles, specifically heat capacity.
  • Familiarity with the relationship between pressure and temperature in thermodynamic systems.
  • Knowledge of thermal radiation properties and behavior.
  • Basic concepts of reflective boundary conditions in physics.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the implications of infinite heat capacity in thermodynamic systems.
  • Study the relationship between pressure and temperature in detail, focusing on ideal gas laws.
  • Explore methods for calculating specific heat in reflective boundary conditions.
  • Investigate the concept of thermal reservoirs and their applications in thermodynamics.
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Physicists, thermodynamics students, and engineers interested in the properties of thermal radiation and heat capacity calculations.

sachi
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we need to show that the heat capacity of thermal radiation at constant pressure is infinity. I have an argument, but am not sure if it works. we know that Cp = dQ/dT at constant p, but we also know that p is a function of T only, and therefore that T is a function of P only, therefore if dP=0,dT=0, so the denominator of Cp is zero and Cp is infinite. we are then asked to interpret this. I think it means that adding energy or subtracting it makes no difference to temperature if the pressure is constant, i.e thermal radiation acts as a heat resevoir at constant P, or does it mean that we can't add/subtract energy at constant temperature?

thanks
 
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Similar problem here. I'm conflicted by considering the release of energy into a volume of space. If you assume reflective boundary conditions, then I think the space could be taken to have some specific heat. I would like to know how to effectively calculate that.
 

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