Question regarding change in internal energy

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the change in internal energy of helium gas in a cylinder, specifically focusing on the relationship between temperature change and internal energy for an ideal gas. The subject area includes thermodynamics and the properties of ideal gases.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the implications of helium being a monatomic gas on the specific heat capacity and its effect on internal energy calculations. Questions are raised about the validity of using the formula for internal energy change under different conditions, such as constant volume versus constant pressure.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring the relationship between temperature changes and internal energy. Some guidance has been offered regarding the application of the internal energy formula, but multiple interpretations of the conditions affecting internal energy are being examined.

Contextual Notes

There is a focus on the assumptions related to the ideal gas behavior and the specific heat capacities for monatomic gases. The discussion also touches on the conditions under which the formulas apply, particularly regarding constant volume and constant pressure scenarios.

erik-the-red
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A cylinder contains 0.0100 mol of helium at T = [tex]27.0 ^\circ \text{C}[/tex].

If the presure of the helium is kept constant, how much heat is needed to raise the temperature from 27.0 to 67.0 C?

If the gas is ideal, what is the change in its internal energy?

I got the answer for the first part correct.

My question involves some concepts.

It is because helium is monatomic that the [tex]C_v[/tex] in [tex]\Delta U = nC_{v}\Delta T[/tex] is [tex]\frac{3}{2}R[/tex], correct?
 
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erik-the-red said:
A cylinder contains 0.0100 mol of helium at T = [tex]27.0 ^\circ \text{C}[/tex].
If the presure of the helium is kept constant, how much heat is needed to raise the temperature from 27.0 to 67.0 C?
If the gas is ideal, what is the change in its internal energy?
I got the answer for the first part correct.
My question involves some concepts.
It is because helium is monatomic that the [tex]C_v[/tex] in [tex]\Delta U = nC_{v}\Delta T[/tex] is [tex]\frac{3}{2}R[/tex], correct?
Correct.

AM
 
So, if the volume was kept constant and the temperature was changed by the same interval, the change in internal energy would still be given by [tex]\Delta U = nC_{v}\Delta T[/tex] with [tex]C_{v} = \frac{3}{2}R[/tex]?
 
erik-the-red said:
So, if the volume was kept constant and the temperature was changed by the same interval, the change in internal energy would still be given by [tex]\Delta U = nC_{v}\Delta T[/tex] with [tex]C_{v} = \frac{3}{2}R[/tex]?
The change in internal energy is always this. You don't have to keep the volume constant. It is just that if the volume is constant there is no work done and all the heat is used to increase internal energy so [tex]Q = \Delta U = nC_{v}\Delta T[/tex].

AM
 

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