Question about heating something under constant pressure/volume

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The difference in heat coefficients for constant pressure and constant volume arises from the work done by the system. At constant volume, all added heat contributes to the internal energy, while at constant pressure, some heat is used to perform work by expanding the volume. This makes the heat capacity at constant pressure higher, as the system can accommodate additional heat in more ways. The relationship between these coefficients can be mathematically derived, but the fundamental concept is rooted in the system's flexibility. Understanding this distinction clarifies the behavior of heat transfer under varying conditions.
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Why are the heat coefficients for constant pressure and constant volume different?

What is the physical reason?
 
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Because

\Delta U = Q + W

and W = -p dV = 0 along a line of constant volume.

So at constant volume, ALL added heat goes directly to the total energy. But at constant pressure, SOME portion of the added heat does work by increasing the volume of the system. So intuitively, the heat capacity at constant pressure is higher because the system is more "flexible" in the ways it can accommodate additional heat.

The precise relationship is more complex, but can be worked out mathematically.
 
Oh I see. It seems so obvious now.
 
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