Is the Molar Specific Heat of Air Similar to Hydrogen?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the comparison of the molar specific heat of air to that of hydrogen, particularly focusing on the Cv graph for hydrogen. Participants note that oxygen and nitrogen exhibit similar properties to hydrogen in this context. The conversation also touches on the concept of rotational degrees of freedom in gases and how temperature affects heat capacity, with references to the Wikipedia page on molar heat capacity for further clarification.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of molar heat capacity concepts
  • Familiarity with Cv graphs and their significance in thermodynamics
  • Basic knowledge of gas composition, specifically air, oxygen, nitrogen, and hydrogen
  • Awareness of temperature scales, particularly Kelvin
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the specific heat capacities of air, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen
  • Explore the implications of rotational degrees of freedom on gas behavior
  • Learn about the relationship between temperature and heat capacity in gases
  • Investigate the effects of molecular weight on heat capacity in different gases
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in the fields of chemistry and physics, particularly those studying thermodynamics and gas properties.

Karfen
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Homework Statement
Estimate the molar specific heat of the air at constant volume Cv by taking into account
major molecules in the air. Plot it as a function of absolute temperature and discuss its
significance.
Relevant Equations
The major chemical elements of air are nitrogen(78%) and oxygen(22%).

The molar specific heat of the air at constant volume for diatomic molecule:
Cv=3/2R (Low Temperature)
Cv=5/2R(High Temperature)
Cv=7/2R(Higher Temperature)
And this is the Cv graph for hydrogen:

1700206012610.png

I think the Cv graph for air is similar with this graph. But I don't know the answer, can someone tell me?
 
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Oxygen and nitrogen are somewhat similar to hydrogen for the purpose of this question.

What is room temperature in Kelvin, very roughly? Where in this graph are we?
 
mfb said:
Oxygen and nitrogen are somewhat similar to hydrogen for the purpose of this question.
Is that true? At https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Molar_heat_capacity I read:
"For the rotational degrees of freedom, the thawing temperature is usually a few tens of kelvins (although with a very light molecule such as hydrogen the rotational energy levels will be spaced so widely that rotational heat capacity may not completely "unfreeze" until considerably higher temperatures are reached)."
 

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