Question regarding using the expression $dE_{int}$=nC_vdT$

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the application of the expression $dE_{int}=nC_vdT$ in the context of the first law of thermodynamics, particularly during adiabatic processes. Participants explore the implications of using specific heat capacity at constant volume when volume may be changing due to work done.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant states that in an adiabatic process, where $Q=0$, the first law of thermodynamics simplifies to $dE=-W$, raising questions about the use of $dE=nC_vdT$ when volume is changing.
  • Another participant highlights that this is a common source of confusion and provides links for further clarification.
  • A third participant notes the correct formatting for rendering LaTeX in the forum, providing examples of how to present equations properly.
  • A later reply asserts that for thermodynamics, the equation for $C_v$ should relate to internal energy $E$ rather than heat $Q$, emphasizing that for an ideal gas, $E$ is a function of temperature only, allowing the use of $dE=nC_vdT$ in the context of adiabatic processes.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the applicability of $dE=nC_vdT$ in adiabatic processes, with some questioning its validity when volume changes, while others defend its use based on the properties of ideal gases.

Contextual Notes

There is an unresolved discussion regarding the assumptions made about volume changes during adiabatic processes and how they relate to the use of specific heat capacity.

Harikesh_33
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The first law of Thermodynamics states that the change in Internal energy is equal to the sum of Heat gained or lost by the system and work done by the system or on the system .

$dE=Q-W$...(1).

In an Adiabatic process ,Q=0 .

Therefore $dE=-W$ .

Now (https://phys.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/University_Physics/Book:_University_Physics_(OpenStax)/Book:_University_Physics_II_-_Thermodynamics_Electricity_and_Magnetism_(OpenStax)/03:_The_First_Law_of_Thermodynamics/3.07:_Adiabatic_Processes_for_an_Ideal_Gas)

here specific heat capacity at Constant volume is used instead of internal energy (ie) $dE=nC_vdT$ .

How can this specific heat be used here isn't the Volume changing (through Work done ?) .

How can $nC_vdT$=-dW$ be used ?
 
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@Harikesh_33, it's worth noting that to make Latex render correctly here, you enclose the code between a pair of double hash-signs (##\text {##Your Latex code here##}##).

For example, doing this for nC_vT=-dW gives ##nC_vT=-dW##.

Or you can similarly use a pair of double dollar-signs to render the code on its own line. For example $$nC_vT=-dW$$Use the preview-toggle (top right on edit-toolbar) to check before posting.
 
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In thermodynamics, the correct equation to use for ##C_v## is in terms of the internal energy E rather than heat Q: $$C_v=\frac{1}{n}\left(\frac{\partial E}{\partial T}\right)_V$$In the case of an ideal gas, E is a function only of T, and not V. So, for an ideal gas, we can write that $$dE=nC_vdT\tag{ideal gas}$$So, for an adiabatic reversible process of an ideal gas, we have $$dE=nC_vdT=-dW$$It's as simple as that.
 
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