Thermodynamics - monotomic/diatomig gas heat capacity question

[p.ella]

Thermodynamics -- monotomic/diatomig gas heat capacity question

Homework Statement

GRADE 12 CHEMISTRY: Why would a monotomic gas like Helium require less heat than a diatomic gas like hydrogen to undergo the same temperature increase?

Homework Equations

q=mcΔT

The Attempt at a Solution

I think it has something to do with bonds and rotational/translational/vibrational energy of molecules but don't know exactly help

Thank you everyone!

 

[Sunil Simha]

Hello p.ella,

The answer to your question maybe twofold.

First ask yourself this: How do the C_P and C_V values of helium compare with other gases?

Secondly, What kind of inter-molecular forces act between helium molecules? How do they compare with other gases?

 

[DrClaude]

Secondly, What kind of inter-molecular forces act between helium molecules? How do they compare with other gases?

Sorry Sunil, but I don't think that intermolecular forces are the right way to go.

p.ella, have you heard of the equipartition theorem?

 

[p.ella]

Sorry Sunil, but I don't think that intermolecular forces are the right way to go.

p.ella, have you heard of the equipartition theorem?

Thanks anways Sunil :)

And no, I haven't, not yet atleast :)

 

[DrClaude]

And no, I haven't, not yet atleast :)

That makes things a bit more difficult, but let's try it this way.

When heat is put into a monatomic gas, what changes?

If you have a diatomic molecule instead, what more can happen (in addition to what you just answered for the monatomic gas)?